This bill amends various sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to enhance educational provisions, particularly concerning option enrollment, reading deficiencies, and dyslexia reporting. Key updates include a requirement for school districts to notify parents or guardians in writing when an option enrollment application is rejected, providing reasons for the rejection and outlining the appeal process. Additionally, school districts must report on option enrollment applications, including the number approved and rejected, as part of their annual statistical summary, with the reporting deadline shifted from July 20 to October 15. The bill also introduces new definitions and modifies existing provisions related to the Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program and the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act, establishing grant opportunities for teachers based on service and qualifications while repealing outdated provisions.

Moreover, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Education to compile and report annually on the number of students with reading deficiencies, including dyslexia, by grade level, with a report due by September 1. It also updates the deadline for school districts to submit property tax request documents to October 15, replacing the previous September 30 deadline. The newly introduced College Pathway Program aims to provide funding to support underrepresented and low-income students in graduating from high school and pursuing postsecondary education. The language shifts from "grants" to "funding" for this program, and the State Department of Education is tasked with reporting on its effectiveness and funding recipients by December 1 each year. The bill also repeals several existing sections to streamline the educational legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-239, 79-308, 79-528, 79-816, 79-1035, 79-3407, 79-3703, 79-3704