Board of Education to weigh in on new rules governing Florida charter schools

Florida’s Board of Education will examine new rules governing charter schools set by state lawmakers last Session.

LobbyTools reports the board is scheduled to meet June 21-22 at Palm Beach State College, to go over the details of HB 7029, the 160-page omnibus education bill.

One potential issue is a modified rule on how charter schools can qualify for construction and capital funds. A change could allow charters to qualify for money after being open only two years, instead of three.

Also, charter schools earning state grades of an F, or two consecutive D’s, would be ineligible for funds. Schools would be disqualified if they receive an “unsatisfactory” in the state’s school improvement rating system, as opposed to the grading system. Previously only F schools were barred from getting capital funds.

LobbyTools noted charter schools with a larger percentage of low-income students — those receiving free or reduced-price lunches — as well as those with a larger proportion of students with disabilities, would be weighted higher in ranking for state money.