The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the operational flexibility of district school boards and charter schools, focusing on improving educational outcomes and efficiency. It exempts district school boards from certain rule-making requirements when adopting rules with public input and revises the definition of an educational emergency to include schools with a grade of D or F or those identified as persistently low-performing. The bill also allows students to carry FDA-approved epinephrine delivery devices, mandates the State Board of Education to establish rules for their use, and enhances criteria for awarding 15-year charters to charter schools, ensuring that students cannot be dismissed based on academic performance.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the Gold Seal Quality Care designation, modifies eligibility criteria for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, and establishes a coordinated screening and progress monitoring system for early education. It emphasizes the need for individualized progress monitoring plans for students with reading or mathematics deficiencies and mandates the development of applied algebra courses. The bill also requires school districts to partner with law enforcement to assign safe-school officers at every school and expands the definition of institutions eligible for the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program. Overall, the bill aims to align educational pathways with industry needs, improve student support systems, and enhance school safety measures.

Statutes affected:
S 7036 Filed: 1001.42, 1002.20, 1002.42, 1003.42, 1003.4282, 1004.85, 1006.07, 1008.2125, 1011.69
S 7036 c1: 1001.42, 1002.20, 1002.42, 1003.42, 1003.4282, 1004.85, 1008.2125, 1011.69, 1011.804
S 7036 c2: 120.81, 1001.42, 1002.20, 1002.67, 1003.42, 1004.85, 1006.12, 1008.2125, 1011.14, 1011.69, 1011.73, 1011.804, 1012.22, 1012.555