The bill SB 2510 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning prekindergarten through grade 12 education, with a primary focus on the establishment and funding of "Schools of Hope." It mandates that a third-party administrator transfer funds from a loan fund to the Schools of Hope program when its balance falls below $25 million, starting July 1, 2027. The bill revises definitions and requirements for these schools, including enrollment preferences for students from low-performing schools and the ability to co-locate with other educational institutions. Additionally, it requires school districts to allow Schools of Hope to utilize specific facilities and services at no cost. The legislation also introduces the Academic Acceleration Options Supplement, which provides bonuses to teachers under certain conditions, and establishes a reporting framework for financial transparency.

Further amendments include changes to funding calculations for charter schools and the Florida Education Finance Program, such as the deletion of the definition of full-time equivalent student and the recalibration of funding based on actual student membership. The bill also updates provisions related to virtual instruction programs, scholarship funding, and the funding of CAPE Digital Tool certificates and industry certifications. It emphasizes the importance of accurate funding allocations based on actual enrollment figures and introduces new funding models for exceptional student education programs. Overall, SB 2510 aims to enhance educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, streamline funding processes, and ensure accountability in the operation of educational programs across Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 2510 Filed: 1002.45, 1003.4203, 1003.498, 1003.4935, 1011.61, 1011.66
S 2510 e1: 402.22, 1001.292, 1002.32, 1002.33, 1002.411, 1003.4203, 1003.4935, 1003.498, 1007.271, 1010.20, 1011.61, 1011.65
S 2510 er: 402.22, 1001.292, 1002.32, 1002.33, 1002.411, 1003.4203, 1003.4935, 1003.498, 1007.271, 1010.20, 1011.61, 1011.65