Senate Bill 2441 amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the operation and management of virtual schools. The bill introduces new provisions that require the closure of a virtual school if it is identified as a priority school or demonstrates significantly below expectations in student achievement for three consecutive years. The closure process mandates that the local education agency (LEA) must notify parents within one week of the decision and provide alternative enrollment options within thirty days. Additionally, if a virtual school is closed, it cannot enroll new students, and any contracted provider must not withhold student records during the transition.

The bill also establishes a five-year ban on providers that have managed a closed virtual school from operating new virtual schools in Tennessee. It requires the Department of Education to maintain a public list of ineligible providers and outlines that entities providing services to multiple virtual schools can continue their operations with those that do not meet closure criteria. The changes aim to enhance accountability and performance standards for virtual schools in the state, with the new provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-16-213, 49-16-214