SB 63
Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools Act
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 63, the "Sustaining Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools Act" (SOAR), aims to support rural communities by establishing rural in-person public charter schools. These schools would operate under the sponsorship of existing public charter schools and serve students who live more than 45 minutes away by bus from the nearest non-charter school. The bill outlines detailed requirements for these schools, including application processes, governance structures, funding mechanisms, and operational standards, with a focus on providing support to both the rural charter school and its sponsoring public charter school.
Key provisions
- Establishes rural in-person public charter schools sponsored by existing public charter schools.
- Defines ‘eligible student’ as those residing in rural areas with commutes exceeding 45 minutes by bus.
- Requires a detailed application process for rural charter schools, including information on mission, program, student achievement goals, and data usage.
- Creates a support agreement between the rural charter school and its sponsoring public charter school, covering administrative, financial, and curricular support.
- Provides supplemental funding to sponsoring public charter schools based on the number of eligible students enrolled in the rural charter school.
- Outlines governance structures for rural charter schools, including an ad hoc committee and a permanent governing board.
- Specifies requirements for insurance coverage and food services.
- Details procedures for student discipline, disability services, and parental involvement.
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