Gov. Rick Scott Signs School Choice, Education Bill into Law
Gov. Rick Scott signed bill HB 7029 into law on Thursday April 14, 2016. Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, students will be able to attend any Florida’s public school that has space available. By expanding Florida’s school choice options, parents and students will be able to find an education solution that best fits their needs. The bill, which received generally positive support in both the House and Senate, will have many different effects on Florida’s education system.
The transfer process would require school districts to post which schools have space for transfer students on their website and would let parents cross school district and county lines to have their child attend a different school. The open enrollment provisions will affect all public schools, allowing students to attend any school in the state that has not reached capacity. The law gives preference to students living in the district, students moving because their parents are active-duty military personnel or students moving because of foster care placement or court-ordered custody arrangements
Starting July 1, sports would also be affected by the new legislation, which will allow private schools to join the Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) on a per-sport basis and make students who transfer immediately eligible for sports.
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