This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to improve the enrollment option program, student fees, transportation, and diversity plans within learning communities. Key changes include the elimination of definitions related to open enrollment option students and the removal of restrictions on when students can apply for enrollment, allowing applications to be submitted at any time before graduation. The bill mandates that option students be treated as resident students of the option school district for all legal purposes, including special education. It also introduces new standards for application acceptance and rejection, ensuring that criteria do not discriminate based on academic achievement, disabilities, race, or socioeconomic status.

Additionally, the bill modifies transportation provisions for option students, clarifying school district responsibilities and establishing a transportation allowance for eligible students. It requires school districts to notify parents or guardians in writing when an application is rejected, including reasons and appeal processes, and provides a $2,500 educational support payment for rejected applicants. The bill emphasizes the importance of socioeconomic diversity in student enrollment and mandates annual reporting on rejected applications. It also introduces new definitions related to focus programs and schools, while repealing several existing sections to streamline the statutes and enhance clarity in reporting and assessing diversity and academic achievement within learning communities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-233, 79-234, 79-235, 79-237, 79-238, 79-239, 79-240, 79-241, 79-611, 79-769, 79-1009, 79-2104, 79-2118, 79-2120