Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the Year-round School Pilot Program is created for a period of 4 school years. The purpose of the program is for the Department of Education to assist school districts in establishing a year-round school program within at least one elementary school in the district and study the issues, benefits, and schedule options for instituting year-round school programs for all students.(1)(a) School districts shall apply to the Department of Education, in a format and by a date prescribed by the department, to participate in the program. The application must include:1. The number of students enrolled in the elementary school or schools that will implement a year-round school program.
2. The academic performance of the students enrolled in such school or schools.
3. The rate of absenteeism and tardiness of students enrolled in such school or schools.
4. The commitment of such school’s or schools’ instructional personnel and students to the year-round school program.
5. An explanation of how the implementation of the year-round school program will benefit the students.
(b) The Commissioner of Education shall select five school districts to participate in the program. To the extent possible, the commissioner shall select school districts that represent a variety of demographics, including, but not limited to, an urban, a suburban, and a rural school district.
(2) A school district enrolled in a year-round school program shall:(a) Implement a single-track or multi-track schedule.
(b) Provide data to the department to allow for:1. An assessment of the academic and safety benefits associated with establishing a year-round school program.
2. An evaluation of any potential barriers for the school district upon implementation of a year-round school program, including, but not limited to:a. Issues related to the commitment of instructional personnel and students.
b. The provision of services during the summer months.
c. School district budgeting.
d. Parental engagement and participation.
e. Coordination with community services.
f. Student assessment and progression practices.
g. Student transportation.
3. The consideration of strategies for addressing such potential barriers.
(3) Upon completion of the program, the commissioner shall provide a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must include:(a) The number of students enrolled at participating schools.
(b) The number of students enrolled at participating schools before and after the implementation of the year-round school program.
(c) Any health, academic, and safety benefits for students or instructional personnel from the implementation of the year-round school program.
(d) An evaluation of any potential barriers for school districts and families associated with a year-round school program.
(e) The commissioner’s recommendation on the adoption of year-round school programs for all students.
(4) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to administer the program.
