The bill amends the Revised School Code of Michigan to enhance the organization and operation of public school academies and cyber schools, particularly focusing on accountability and transparency. It establishes that public school academies must be organized under the nonprofit corporation act and prohibits affiliations with religious organizations. The bill outlines the roles of various authorizing bodies in issuing contracts for public school academies, emphasizing the need for educational goals, governance structures, and compliance with state and federal laws. It also mandates that contracts include detailed educational goals, accountability methods, and financial audit requirements, while prohibiting excessive fees for oversight. Additionally, new public school academies in community districts must meet specific accreditation and operational criteria.

For cyber schools designated as "schools of excellence," the bill restricts authorizing bodies to one cyber school and sets enrollment limits that increase over time. It requires these schools to provide families with computers and subsidize internet access. The bill also includes provisions for oversight, capping fees for contract applications and oversight at 3% of total state school aid. It mandates reporting on online learning costs and requires the Department of Education to review data on online learning programs. Furthermore, the bill specifies the administration of the Michigan merit examination, including assessments in various subjects and accommodations for students with disabilities, while also addressing the inclusion of genocide education in the social studies component.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 380.502
As Passed by the House: 380.502