This bill, SB263, makes several changes to the current law regarding education in Alabama. It changes the terms "failing school" and "nonfailing school" to "priority school" and "qualifying school," respectively. It also expands scholarships for eligible students attending qualifying schools and revises the poverty threshold for determining the qualifications of an eligible student. The bill also revises the method of determining the amount of educational scholarship awards and increases the maximum cumulative amount of tax credits that may be issued each year. Additionally, the bill requires a scholarship granting organization to maintain a reserve balance and to verify the qualifications of an eligible student with unique needs. The Department of Revenue is also authorized to bar qualifying schools or educational service providers from participating in the program under certain circumstances.

This bill, SB263, provides flexibility for priority schools, which are schools that have shown growth in student assessments. These schools will have the same flexibility as public conversion charter schools. However, if student growth does not occur within five years, the flexibility will be revoked. The bill also allows for the approval of a flexibility contract that gives employees of a priority school the option to voluntarily waive any rights or privileges already acquired or that could potentially be acquired as a result of attaining tenure or nonprobationary status. The State Department of Education will finalize all school data and the local school system will seek approval from the local board of education before submitting to the State Department of Education and the State Board of Education. The State Superintendent of Education will decide whether or not to approve the school flexibility contract and innovation plan within 60 days of receiving the final submission. The State Board of Education will promulgate any necessary rules and regulations to implement this chapter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-6D-3, 16-6D-4, 16-6D-6, 16-6D-8, 16-6D-9
Engrossed: 16-6D-3, 16-6D-4, 16-6D-6, 16-6D-8, 16-6D-9
Enrolled: 16-6D-3, 16-6D-4, 16-6D-6, 16-6D-8, 16-6D-9