The bill amends sections of Florida Statutes related to charter schools and schools of hope, introducing new requirements for charter school sponsors and hope operators. It mandates that charter school sponsors utilize a standard monitoring tool to assess charter schools' progress towards their established goals. Additionally, the bill redefines the role of the sponsoring entity, requiring hope operators to submit a notice of intent to open a school of hope to the sponsoring entity instead of the school district. The sponsoring entity is also tasked with entering into a performance-based agreement with the hope operator and receiving financial statement summaries from the school of hope.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "sponsoring entity" and outlines the responsibilities of both the sponsoring entity and the hope operator in terms of financial reporting and compliance with educational standards. It specifies that schools of hope must provide the sponsoring entity with quarterly financial statements and comply with annual audit requirements. The changes aim to streamline the oversight and operational processes for charter schools and schools of hope, enhancing accountability and support for educational initiatives in Florida. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1702 Filed: 1002.33