The bill H.813 seeks to improve accountability and transparency for approved independent schools in Vermont by aligning them with the same education quality standards as public schools. Key provisions include the requirement for open enrollment policies for publicly tuitioned students, compliance with Vermont's Open Meeting Law, and the establishment of a safe learning environment. Additionally, the bill mandates that these schools employ licensed special educators, maintain appropriate accounting systems, and prepare annual budgets for the Agency of Education and sending school districts. It emphasizes the importance of good faith bargaining with teachers and administrators' organizations.

To implement these changes, the bill amends existing statutes, specifically 16 V.S.A. § 165 and § 166, to incorporate approved independent schools into the education quality standards framework. Notable insertions include the requirement for schools to report student performance results and the Secretary's authority to recommend actions for schools that fail to meet standards. The State Board of Education is granted the authority to revoke a school's approval for substantial non-compliance. The bill also mandates the initiation of rulemaking by January 1, 2027, to align existing regulations with the new requirements, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Overall, H.813 aims to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in schools receiving public funding.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-165, 16-166