Bill Text: MI SB0159 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Labor; hours and wages; reference to repealed law; eliminate. Amends secs. 503, 523, 553 & 1311e of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.503 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0157'13
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 16-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-02-06 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [SB0159 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-SB0159-Introduced.html
SENATE BILL No. 159
February 6, 2013, Introduced by Senators MEEKHOF, JANSEN, SCHUITMAKER, HILDENBRAND, MOOLENAAR, PAVLOV, BOOHER, EMMONS, COLBECK, BRANDENBURG, PROOS, MARLEAU, JONES, WALKER, ROBERTSON and HUNE and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled
"The revised school code,"
by amending sections 503, 523, 553, and 1311e (MCL 380.503,
380.523, 380.553, and 380.1311e), sections 503, 523, and 553 as
amended by 2011 PA 277 and section 1311e as amended by 2009 PA 205.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 503. (1) An authorizing body is not required to issue a
contract to any person or entity. Subject to subsection (2), public
school academy contracts shall be issued on a competitive basis. In
deciding whether to issue a contract for a proposed public school
academy, an authorizing body shall consider all of the following:
(a) The resources available for the proposed public school
academy.
(b) The population to be served by the proposed public school
academy.
(c) The educational goals to be achieved by the proposed
public school academy.
(d) The applicant's track record, if any, in organizing public
school academies or other public schools.
(e) The graduation rate of a school district in which the
proposed public school academy is proposed to be located.
(f) The population of a county in which the proposed public
school academy is proposed to be located.
(g) The number of schools in the proximity of a proposed
location of the proposed public school academy that are on the list
under section 1280c(1) of the public schools in this state that the
department has determined to be among the lowest achieving 5% of
all public schools in this state.
(h) The number of pupils on waiting lists of public school
academies in the proximity of a proposed location of the proposed
public school academy.
(2) An authorizing body may give priority to a proposed public
school academy that is intended to replace a public school academy
that has been closed pursuant to section 507(5), that will operate
all of the same grade levels as the public school academy that has
been closed, and that will work toward operating all of grades 9 to
12 within 6 years after it begins operations unless a matriculation
agreement has been entered into with another public school that
provides grades 9 to 12.
(3) If a person or entity applies to the board of a school
district for a contract to organize and operate 1 or more public
school academies within the boundaries of the school district and
the board does not issue the contract, the person or entity may
petition the board to place the question of issuing the contract on
the ballot to be decided by the school electors of the school
district. The petition shall contain all of the information
required to be in the contract application under section 502 and
shall be signed by a number of school electors of the school
district equal to at least 5% of the total number of school
electors of that school district. The petition shall be filed with
the school district filing official. If the board receives a
petition meeting the requirements of this subsection, the board
shall have the question of issuing the contract placed on the
ballot at its next regular school election held at least 60 days
after receiving the petition. If a majority of the school electors
of the school district voting on the question vote to issue the
contract, the board shall issue the contract.
(4) Within 10 days after issuing a contract for a public
school academy, the authorizing body shall submit to the
superintendent of public instruction a copy of the contract.
(5) An authorizing body shall adopt a resolution establishing
the method of selection, length of term, and number of members of
the board of directors of each public school academy subject to its
jurisdiction. The resolution shall be written or amended as
necessary to include a requirement that each member of the board of
directors must be a citizen of the United States.
(6) A contract issued to organize and administer a public
school academy shall contain at least all of the following:
(a) The educational goals the public school academy is to
achieve and the methods by which it will be held accountable. The
educational goals shall include demonstrated improved pupil
academic achievement for all groups of pupils. To the extent
applicable, the pupil performance of a public school academy shall
be assessed using at least a Michigan education assessment program
(MEAP) test or the Michigan merit examination under section 1279g,
as applicable.
(b) A description of the method to be used to monitor the
public school academy's compliance with applicable law and its
performance in meeting its targeted educational objectives.
(c) A description of the process for amending the contract
during the term of the contract.
(d) All of the matters set forth in the application for the
contract.
(e) Procedures for revoking the contract and grounds for
revoking the contract, including at least the grounds listed in
section 507.
(f) A description of and address for the proposed physical
plant in which the public school academy will be located. An
authorizing body may include a provision in the contract allowing
the board of directors of the public school academy to operate the
same configuration of age or grade levels at more than 1 site if
each configuration of age or grade levels and each site identified
in the contract are under the direction and control of the board of
directors.
(g) Requirements and procedures for financial audits. The
financial audits shall be conducted at least annually by a
certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted
governmental auditing principles.
(h) The term of the contract and a description of the process
and standards for renewal of the contract at the end of the term.
The standards for renewal shall include increases in academic
achievement for all groups of pupils as measured by assessments and
other objective criteria as the most important factor in the
decision of whether or not to renew the contract.
(i) A certification, signed by an authorized member of the
board of directors of the public school academy, that the public
school academy will comply with the contract and all applicable
law.
(j) A requirement that the board of directors of the public
school academy shall ensure compliance with the requirements of
1968 PA 317, MCL 15.321 to 15.330.
(k) A requirement that the board of directors of the public
school academy shall prohibit specifically identified family
relationships between members of the board of directors,
individuals who have an ownership interest in or who are officers
or employees of an educational management organization involved in
the operation of the public school academy, and employees of the
public school academy. The contract shall identify the specific
prohibited relationships consistent with applicable law.
(l) A requirement that the board of directors of the public
school academy shall make information concerning its operation and
management available to the public and to the authorizing body in
the same manner as is required by state law for school districts.
(m) A requirement that the board of directors of the public
school academy shall collect, maintain, and make available to the
public and the authorizing body, in accordance with applicable law
and the contract, at least all of the following information
concerning the operation and management of the public school
academy:
(i) A copy of the contract issued by the authorizing body for
the public school academy.
(ii) A list of currently serving members of the board of
directors of the public school academy, including name, address,
and term of office; copies of policies approved by the board of
directors; board meeting agendas and minutes; a copy of the budget
approved by the board of directors and of any amendments to the
budget; and copies of bills paid for amounts of $10,000.00 or more
as they were submitted to the board of directors.
(iii) Quarterly financial reports submitted to the authorizing
body.
(iv) A current list of teachers and school administrators
working at the public school academy that includes their individual
salaries as submitted to the registry of educational personnel;
copies of the teaching or school administrator's certificates or
permits of current teaching and administrative staff; and evidence
of compliance with the criminal background and records checks and
unprofessional conduct check required under sections 1230, 1230a,
and 1230b for all teachers and administrators working at the public
school academy.
(v) Curriculum documents and materials given to the
authorizing body.
(vi) Proof of insurance as required by the contract.
(vii) Copies of facility leases or deeds, or both, and of any
equipment leases.
(viii) Copies of any management contracts or services contracts
approved by the board of directors.
(ix) All health and safety reports and certificates, including
those relating to fire safety, environmental matters, asbestos
inspection, boiler inspection, and food service.
(x) Any management letters issued as part of the annual
financial audit under subdivision (g).
(xi) Any other information specifically required under this
act.
(n) A requirement that the authorizing body must review and
may disapprove any agreement between the board of directors of the
public school academy and an educational management organization
before the agreement is final and valid. An authorizing body may
disapprove an agreement described in this subdivision only if the
agreement is contrary to the contract or applicable law.
(o) A requirement that the board of directors of the public
school academy shall demonstrate all of the following to the
satisfaction of the authorizing body with regard to its pupil
admission process:
(i) That the public school academy has made a reasonable effort
to advertise its enrollment openings.
(ii) That the open enrollment period for the public school
academy is for a duration of at least 2 weeks and that the
enrollment times include some evening and weekend times.
(p) A requirement that the board of directors of the public
school academy shall prohibit any individual from being employed by
the public school academy in more than 1 full-time position and
simultaneously being compensated at a full-time rate for each of
those positions.
(7) A public school academy shall comply with all applicable
law, including all of the following:
(a) The open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(b) The freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to
15.246.
(c) 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.201 to 423.217.
(d)
1965 PA 166, MCL 408.551 to 408.558.
(d) (e) Sections 1134, 1135, 1146, 1153, 1263(3), 1267, and
1274.
(e) (f) Laws concerning participation in state assessments,
data collection systems, state level student growth models, state
accountability and accreditation systems, and other public
comparative data collection required for public schools.
(8) A public school academy and its incorporators, board
members, officers, employees, and volunteers have governmental
immunity as provided in section 7 of 1964 PA 170, MCL 691.1407. An
authorizing body and its board members, officers, and employees are
immune from civil liability, both personally and professionally,
for an act or omission in authorizing a public school academy if
the authorizing body or the person acted or reasonably believed he
or she acted within the authorizing body's or the person's scope of
authority.
(9) A public school academy is exempt from all taxation on its
earnings and property. Instruments of conveyance to or from a
public school academy are exempt from all taxation including taxes
imposed by 1966 PA 134, MCL 207.501 to 207.513. Unless the property
is already fully exempt from real and personal property taxes under
the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.1 to 211.155,
property occupied by a public school academy and used exclusively
for educational purposes is exempt from real and personal property
taxes levied for school operating purposes under section 1211, to
the extent exempted under that section, and from real and personal
property taxes levied under the state education tax act, 1993 PA
331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906. A public school academy may not levy
ad valorem property taxes or another tax for any purpose. However,
operation of 1 or more public school academies by a school district
or intermediate school district does not affect the ability of the
school district or intermediate school district to levy ad valorem
property taxes or another tax.
(10) A public school academy may acquire by purchase, gift,
devise, lease, sublease, installment purchase agreement, land
contract, option, or by any other means, hold and own in its own
name buildings and other property for school purposes, and
interests therein, and other real and personal property, including,
but not limited to, interests in property subject to mortgages,
security interests, or other liens, necessary or convenient to
fulfill its purposes. For the purposes of condemnation, a public
school academy may proceed under the uniform condemnation
procedures act, 1980 PA 87, MCL 213.51 to 213.75, excluding
sections 6 to 9 of that act, MCL 213.56 to 213.59, or other
applicable statutes, but only with the express, written permission
of the authorizing body in each instance of condemnation and only
after just compensation has been determined and paid.
(11) A member of the board of directors of a public school
academy is a public officer and shall, before entering upon the
duties of the office, take the constitutional oath of office for
public officers under section 1 of article XI of the state
constitution of 1963.
Sec. 523. (1) An authorizing body is not required to issue a
contract to any entity. Urban high school academy contracts shall
be issued on a competitive basis taking into consideration the
resources available for the proposed urban high school academy, the
population to be served by the proposed urban high school academy,
and the educational goals to be achieved by the proposed urban high
school academy. In evaluating if an applicant is qualified, the
authorizing body shall examine the proposed performance standards,
proposed academic program, financial viability of the applicant,
and the ability of the proposed board of directors to meet the
contract goals and objectives. An authorizing body shall give
priority to applicants that demonstrate all of the following:
(a) The proposed school will operate at least all of grades 9
through 12 within 5 years after beginning operation.
(b) The proposed school will occupy a building or buildings
that are newly constructed or renovated after January 1, 2003.
(c) The proposed school has a stated goal of increasing high
school graduation rates.
(d) The proposed school has received commitments for financial
and educational support from the entity applying for the contract.
(e) The entity that submits the application for a contract has
net assets of at least $50,000,000.00.
(2) A contract issued to organize and administer an urban high
school academy shall contain at least all of the following:
(a) The educational goals the urban high school academy is to
achieve and the methods by which it will be held accountable. The
educational goals shall include demonstrated improved pupil
academic achievement for all groups of pupils. To the extent
applicable, the pupil performance of an urban high school academy
shall be assessed using at least a Michigan education assessment
program (MEAP) test or the Michigan merit examination developed
under section 1279g, as applicable.
(b) A description of the method to be used to monitor the
urban high school academy's compliance with applicable law and its
performance in meeting its targeted educational objectives.
(c) A description of the process for amending the contract
during the term of the contract. An authorizing body may approve
amendment of the contract with respect to any provision contained
in the contract.
(d) A certification, signed by an authorized member of the
urban high school academy board of directors, that the urban high
school academy will comply with the contract and all applicable
law.
(e) Procedures for revoking the contract and grounds for
revoking the contract.
(f) A description of and address for the proposed building or
buildings in which the urban high school academy will be located.
(g) Requirements and procedures for financial audits. The
financial audits shall be conducted at least annually by an
independent certified public accountant in accordance with
generally accepted governmental auditing principles.
(h) A requirement that the board of directors shall ensure
compliance with the requirements of 1968 PA 317, MCL 15.321 to
15.330.
(i) A requirement that the board of directors shall prohibit
specifically identified family relationships between members of the
board of directors, individuals who have an ownership interest in
or who are officers or employees of an educational management
company involved in the operation of the urban high school academy,
and employees of the urban high school academy. The contract shall
identify the specific prohibited relationships consistent with
applicable law.
(j) A requirement that the board of directors of the urban
high school academy shall make information concerning its operation
and management available to the public and to the authorizing body
in the same manner as is required by state law for school
districts.
(k) A requirement that the board of directors of the urban
high school academy shall collect, maintain, and make available to
the public and the authorizing body, in accordance with applicable
law and the contract, at least all of the following information
concerning the operation and management of the urban high school
academy:
(i) A copy of the contract issued by the authorizing body for
the urban high school academy.
(ii) A list of currently serving members of the board of
directors of the urban high school academy, including name,
address, and term of office; copies of policies approved by the
board of directors; board meeting agendas and minutes; copy of the
budget approved by the board of directors and of any amendments to
the budget; and copies of bills paid for amounts of $10,000.00 or
more as they were submitted to the board of directors.
(iii) Quarterly financial reports submitted to the authorizing
body.
(iv) A current list of teachers working at the urban high
school academy that includes their individual salaries as submitted
to the registry of educational personnel; copies of the teaching
certificates or permits of current teaching staff; and evidence of
compliance with the criminal background and records checks and
unprofessional conduct check required under sections 1230, 1230a,
and 1230b for all teachers and administrators working at the urban
high school academy.
(v) Curriculum documents and materials given to the
authorizing body.
(vi) Proof of insurance as required by the contract.
(vii) Copies of facility leases or deeds, or both, and of any
equipment leases.
(viii) Copies of any management contracts or services contracts
approved by the board of directors.
(ix) All health and safety reports and certificates, including
those relating to fire safety, environmental matters, asbestos
inspection, boiler inspection, and food service.
(x) Any management letters issued as part of the annual
financial audit under subdivision (g).
(xi) Any other information specifically required under this
act.
(l) A requirement that the authorizing body must review and may
disapprove any agreement between the board of directors and an
educational management company before the agreement is final and
valid. An authorizing body may disapprove an agreement described in
this subdivision only if the agreement is contrary to the contract
or applicable law.
(m) A requirement that the board of directors shall
demonstrate all of the following to the satisfaction of the
authorizing body with regard to its pupil admission process:
(i) That the urban high school academy has made a reasonable
effort to advertise its enrollment openings.
(ii) That the urban high school academy has made the following
additional efforts to recruit pupils who are eligible for special
education programs and services to apply for admission:
(A) Reasonable efforts to advertise all enrollment openings to
organizations and media that regularly serve and advocate for
individuals with disabilities within the boundaries of the
intermediate school district in which the urban high school academy
is located.
(B) Inclusion in all pupil recruitment materials of a
statement that appropriate special education services will be made
available to pupils attending the school as required by law.
(iii) That the open enrollment period for the urban high school
academy is for a duration of at least 2 weeks and that the
enrollment times include some evening and weekend times.
(n) A requirement that the board of directors shall prohibit
any individual from being employed by the urban high school academy
in more than 1 full-time position and simultaneously being
compensated at a full-time rate for each of those positions.
(o) A requirement that, if requested, the board of directors
shall report to the authorizing body the total compensation for
each individual working at the urban high school academy.
(p) The term of the contract and a description of the process
and standards for renewal of the contract at the end of the term.
The standards for renewal shall include increases in academic
achievement for all groups of pupils as measured by assessments and
other objective criteria as the most important factor in the
decision of whether or not to renew the contract.
(3) An urban high school academy shall comply with all
applicable law, including all of the following:
(a) The open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(b) The freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to
15.246.
(c) 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.201 to 423.217.
(d)
1965 PA 166, MCL 408.551 to 408.558.
(d) (e)
1978 PA 566, MCL 15.181 to 15.185.
(e) (f)
1968 PA 317, MCL 15.321 to 15.330.
(f) (g)
The uniform budgeting and
accounting act, 1968 PA 2,
MCL 141.421 to 141.440a.
(g) (h)
The revised municipal finance act,
2001 PA 34, MCL
141.2101 to 141.2821.
(h) (i)
The federal no child left
behind act of 2001, Public
Law 107-110, 115 Stat. 1425.
(i) (j)
Sections 1134, 1135, 1146, 1153,
1263(3), 1267, 1274,
and 1280.
(j) (k)
Laws concerning participation in
state assessments,
data collection systems, state level student growth models, state
accountability and accreditation systems, and other public
comparative data collection required for public schools.
(4) An urban high school academy and its incorporators, board
members, officers, employees, and volunteers have governmental
immunity as provided in section 7 of 1964 PA 170, MCL 691.1407. An
authorizing body and its board members, officers, and employees are
immune from civil liability, both personally and professionally,
for any acts or omissions in authorizing or oversight of an urban
high school academy if the authorizing body or the person acted or
reasonably believed he or she acted within the authorizing body's
or the person's scope of authority.
(5) An urban high school academy is exempt from all taxation
on its earnings and property. Unless the property is already fully
exempt from real and personal property taxes under the general
property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.1 to 211.155, property
occupied by an urban high school academy and used exclusively for
educational purposes is exempt from real and personal property
taxes levied for school operating purposes under section 1211, to
the extent exempted under that section, and from real and personal
property taxes levied under the state education tax act, 1993 PA
331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906. Instruments of conveyance to or from
an urban high school academy are exempt from all taxation,
including taxes imposed by 1966 PA 134, MCL 207.501 to 207.513. An
urban high school academy may not levy ad valorem property taxes or
any other tax for any purpose.
(6) An urban high school academy may acquire by purchase,
gift, devise, lease, sublease, installment purchase agreement, land
contract, option, or any other means, hold, and own in its own name
buildings and other property for school purposes, and interests
therein, and other real and personal property, including, but not
limited to, interests in property subject to mortgages, security
interests, or other liens, necessary or convenient to fulfill its
purposes. For the purposes of condemnation, an urban high school
academy may proceed under the uniform condemnation procedures act,
1980 PA 87, MCL 213.51 to 213.75, excluding sections 6 to 9 of that
act, MCL 213.56 to 213.59, or other applicable statutes, but only
with the express, written permission of the authorizing body in
each instance of condemnation and only after just compensation has
been determined and paid.
Sec. 553. (1) An authorizing body is not required to issue a
contract to any person or entity. Schools of excellence contracts
shall be issued on a competitive basis taking into consideration
the resources available for the proposed school of excellence, the
population to be served by the proposed school of excellence, the
educational goals to be achieved by the proposed school of
excellence, and the applicant's track record, if any, in operating
public school academies or other public schools.
(2) If a person or entity applies to the board of a school
district for a contract to organize and operate 1 or more schools
of excellence within the boundaries of the school district and the
board does not issue the contract, the person or entity may
petition the board to place the question of issuing the contract on
the ballot to be decided by the school electors of the school
district. The petition shall contain all of the information
required to be in the contract application under section 552 and
shall be signed by a number of school electors of the school
district equal to at least 5% of the total number of school
electors of that school district. The petition shall be filed with
the school district filing official. If the board receives a
petition meeting the requirements of this subsection, the board
shall have the question of issuing the contract placed on the
ballot at its next regular school election held at least 60 days
after receiving the petition. If a majority of the school electors
of the school district voting on the question vote to issue the
contract, the board shall issue the contract.
(3) Within 10 days after issuing a contract for a school of
excellence, the authorizing body shall submit to the superintendent
of public instruction a copy of the contract.
(4) An authorizing body shall adopt a resolution establishing
the method of selection, length of term, and number of members of
the board of directors of each school of excellence subject to its
jurisdiction. The resolution shall be written or amended as
necessary to include a requirement that each member of the board of
directors must be a citizen of the United States.
(5) A contract issued to organize and administer a school of
excellence shall contain at least all of the following:
(a) The educational goals the school of excellence is to
achieve and the methods by which it will be held accountable. The
educational goals shall include demonstrated improved pupil
academic achievement for all groups of pupils. To the extent
applicable, the pupil performance of a school of excellence shall
be assessed using at least a Michigan education assessment program
(MEAP) test or the Michigan merit examination under section 1279g,
as applicable.
(b) A description of the method to be used to monitor the
school of excellence's compliance with applicable law and its
performance in meeting its targeted educational objectives.
(c) A description of the process for amending the contract
during the term of the contract.
(d) All of the matters set forth in the application for the
contract.
(e) Procedures for revoking the contract and grounds for
revoking the contract, including at least the grounds listed in
section 561.
(f) A description of and address for the proposed physical
plant in which the school of excellence will be located. An
authorizing body may include a provision in the contract allowing
the board of directors of the school of excellence to operate the
same configuration of age or grade levels at more than 1 site if
each configuration of age or grade levels and each site identified
in the contract are under the direction and control of the board of
directors.
(g) Requirements and procedures for financial audits. The
financial audits shall be conducted at least annually by a
certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted
governmental auditing principles.
(h) A certification, signed by an authorized member of the
school of excellence board of directors, that the school of
excellence will comply with the contract and all applicable law.
(i) A requirement that the board of directors shall ensure
compliance with the requirements of 1968 PA 317, MCL 15.321 to
15.330.
(j) A requirement that the board of directors shall prohibit
specifically identified family relationships between members of the
board of directors, individuals who have an ownership interest in
or who are officers or employees of an educational management
organization involved in the operation of the school of excellence,
and employees of the school of excellence. The contract shall
identify the specific prohibited relationships consistent with
applicable law.
(k) A requirement that the board of directors of the school of
excellence shall make information concerning its operation and
management available to the public and to the authorizing body in
the same manner as is required by state law for school districts.
(l) A requirement that the board of directors of the school of
excellence shall collect, maintain, and make available to the
public and the authorizing body, in accordance with applicable law
and the contract, at least all of the following information
concerning the operation and management of the school of
excellence:
(i) A copy of the contract issued by the authorizing body for
the school of excellence.
(ii) A list of currently serving members of the board of
directors of the school of excellence, including name, address, and
term of office; copies of policies approved by the board of
directors; board meeting agendas and minutes; copy of the budget
approved by the board of directors and of any amendments to the
budget; and copies of bills paid for amounts of $10,000.00 or more
as they were submitted to the board of directors.
(iii) Quarterly financial reports submitted to the authorizing
body.
(iv) A current list of teachers and school administrators
working at the school of excellence that includes their individual
salaries as submitted to the registry of educational personnel;
copies of the teaching or school administrator's certificates or
permits of current teaching and administrative staff; and evidence
of compliance with the criminal background and records checks and
unprofessional conduct check required under sections 1230, 1230a,
and 1230b for all teachers and administrators working at the school
of excellence.
(v) Curriculum documents and materials given to the
authorizing body.
(vi) Proof of insurance as required by the contract.
(vii) Copies of facility leases or deeds, or both, and of any
equipment leases.
(viii) Copies of any management contracts or services contracts
approved by the board of directors.
(ix) All health and safety reports and certificates, including
those relating to fire safety, environmental matters, asbestos
inspection, boiler inspection, and food service.
(x) Any management letters issued as part of the annual
financial audit under subdivision (g).
(xi) Any other information specifically required under this
act.
(m) A requirement that the authorizing body must review and
may disapprove any agreement between the board of directors and an
educational management organization before the agreement is final
and valid. An authorizing body may disapprove an agreement
described in this subdivision only if the agreement is contrary to
contract or applicable law.
(n) A requirement that the board of directors shall
demonstrate all of the following to the satisfaction of the
authorizing body with regard to its pupil admission process:
(i) That the school of excellence has made a reasonable effort
to advertise its enrollment openings.
(ii) That the school of excellence has made the following
additional efforts to recruit pupils who are eligible for special
education programs and services or English as a second language
services to apply for admission:
(A) Reasonable efforts to advertise all enrollment openings to
organizations and media that regularly serve and advocate for
individuals with disabilities or children with limited English-
speaking ability within the boundaries of the intermediate school
district in which the school of excellence is located.
(B) Inclusion in all pupil recruitment materials of a
statement that appropriate special education services and English
as a second language services will be made available to pupils
attending the school as required by law.
(iii) That the open enrollment period for the school of
excellence is for a duration of at least 2 weeks and that the
enrollment times include some evening and weekend times.
(o) A requirement that the board of directors shall prohibit
any individual from being employed by the school of excellence in
more than 1 full-time position and simultaneously being compensated
at a full-time rate for each of those positions.
(p) A requirement that, if requested, the board of directors
shall report to the authorizing body the total compensation for
each individual working at the school of excellence.
(6) A school of excellence shall comply with all applicable
law, including all of the following:
(a) The open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(b) The freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to
15.246.
(c) 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.201 to 423.217.
(d)
1965 PA 166, MCL 408.551 to 408.558.
(d) (e)
Sections 1134, 1135, 1146, 1153,
1263(3), 1267, and
1274.
(e) (f)
Laws concerning participation in
state assessments,
data collection systems, state level student growth models, state
accountability and accreditation systems, and other public
comparative data collection required for public schools.
(7) A school of excellence and its incorporators, board
members, officers, employees, and volunteers have governmental
immunity as provided in section 7 of 1964 PA 170, MCL 691.1407. An
authorizing body and its board members, officers, and employees are
immune from civil liability, both personally and professionally,
for an act or omission in authorizing a school of excellence if the
authorizing body or the person acted or reasonably believed he or
she acted within the authorizing body's or the person's scope of
authority.
(8) A school of excellence is exempt from all taxation on its
earnings and property. Unless the property is already fully exempt
from real and personal property taxes under the general property
tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.1 to 211.155, property occupied by a
school of excellence and used exclusively for educational purposes
is exempt from real and personal property taxes levied for school
operating purposes under section 1211, to the extent exempted under
that section, and from real and personal property taxes levied
under the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to
211.906. Instruments of conveyance to or from a school of
excellence are exempt from all taxation including taxes imposed by
1966 PA 134, MCL 207.501 to 207.513. A school of excellence may not
levy ad valorem property taxes or another tax for any purpose.
However, operation of 1 or more schools of excellence by a school
district or intermediate school district does not affect the
ability of the school district or intermediate school district to
levy ad valorem property taxes or another tax.
(9) A school of excellence may acquire by purchase, gift,
devise, lease, sublease, installment purchase agreement, land
contract, option, or by any other means, hold, and own in its own
name buildings and other property for school purposes, and
interests therein, and other real and personal property, including,
but not limited to, interests in property subject to mortgages,
security interests, or other liens, necessary or convenient to
fulfill its purposes. For the purposes of condemnation, a school of
excellence may proceed under the uniform condemnation procedures
act, 1980 PA 87, MCL 213.51 to 213.75, excluding sections 6 to 9 of
that act, MCL 213.56 to 213.59, or other applicable statutes, but
only with the express, written permission of the authorizing body
in each instance of condemnation and only after just compensation
has been determined and paid.
Sec. 1311e. (1) An authorizing body is not required to issue a
contract to any person or entity. Contracts for strict discipline
academies shall be issued on a competitive basis taking into
consideration the resources available for the proposed strict
discipline academy, the population to be served by the proposed
strict discipline academy, and the educational goals to be achieved
by the proposed strict discipline academy.
(2) If a person or entity applies to the board of a school
district for a contract to organize and operate 1 or more strict
discipline academies within the boundaries of the school district
and the board does not issue the contract, the person or entity may
petition the board to place the question of issuing the contract on
the ballot to be decided by the school electors of the school
district. The petition shall contain all of the information
required to be in the contract application under section 1311d and
shall be signed by a number of school electors of the school
district equal to at least 15% of the total number of school
electors of that school district. The petition shall be filed with
the secretary of the board. If the board receives a petition
meeting the requirements of this subsection, the board shall place
the question of issuing the contract on the ballot at its next
annual school election held at least 60 days after receiving the
petition. If a majority of the school electors of the school
district voting on the question vote to issue the contract, the
board shall issue the contract.
(3) Within 10 days after issuing a contract for a strict
discipline academy, the board of the authorizing body shall submit
to the state board a copy of the contract and of the application
under section 1311d.
(4) An authorizing body shall adopt a resolution establishing
the method of selection, length of term, and number of members of
the board of directors of each strict discipline academy subject to
its jurisdiction.
(5) A contract issued to organize and administer a strict
discipline academy shall contain at least all of the following:
(a) The educational goals the strict discipline academy is to
achieve and the methods by which it will be held accountable. To
the extent applicable, the pupil performance of a strict discipline
academy shall be assessed using at least a Michigan education
assessment program (MEAP) test or the Michigan merit examination
developed under section 1279g, as applicable.
(b) A description of the method to be used to monitor the
strict discipline academy's compliance with applicable law and its
performance in meeting its targeted educational objectives.
(c) A description of the process for amending the contract
during the term of the contract.
(d) All of the matters set forth in the application for the
contract.
(e) For a strict discipline academy authorized by a school
district, an agreement that employees of the strict discipline
academy will be covered by the collective bargaining agreements
that apply to employees of the school district employed in similar
classifications in schools that are not strict discipline
academies.
(f) Procedures for revoking the contract and grounds for
revoking the contract, including at least the grounds listed in
section 1311l.
(g) A description of and address for the proposed physical
plant in which the strict discipline academy will be located.
(h) Requirements and procedures for financial audits. The
financial audits shall be conducted at least annually by a
certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted
governmental auditing principles.
(i) The term of the contract and a description of the process
and standards for renewal of the contract at the end of the term.
The standards for renewal shall include student growth as measured
by assessments and other objective criteria as a significant factor
in the decision of whether or not to renew the contract.
(6) A strict discipline academy shall comply with all
applicable law, including all of the following:
(a) The open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(b) The freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to
15.246.
(c) 1947 PA 336, MCL 423.201 to 423.217.
(d)
1965 PA 166, MCL 408.551 to 408.558.
(d) (e)
Sections 1134, 1135, 1146, 1153,
1263(3), 1267, and
1274.
(e) (f)
Except for part 6a, all provisions
of this act that
explicitly apply to public school academies established under part
6a.
(7) A strict discipline academy and its incorporators, board
members, officers, employees, and volunteers have governmental
immunity as provided in section 7 of 1964 PA 170, MCL 691.1407. An
authorizing body and its board members, officers, and employees are
immune from civil liability, both personally and professionally,
for any acts or omissions in authorizing a strict discipline
academy if the authorizing body or the person acted or reasonably
believed he or she acted within the authorizing body's or the
person's scope of authority.
(8) A strict discipline academy is exempt from all taxation on
its earnings and property. Instruments of conveyance to or from a
strict discipline academy are exempt from all taxation including
taxes imposed by 1966 PA 134, MCL 207.501 to 207.513. A strict
discipline academy may not levy ad valorem property taxes or any
other tax for any purpose. However, operation of 1 or more strict
discipline academies by a school district or intermediate school
district does not affect the ability of the school district or
intermediate school district to levy ad valorem property taxes or
any other tax.
(9) A strict discipline academy may acquire by purchase, gift,
devise, lease, sublease, installment purchase agreement, land
contract, option, or by any other means, hold and own in its own
name buildings and other property for school purposes, and
interests therein, and other real and personal property, including,
but not limited to, interests in property subject to mortgages,
security interests, or other liens, necessary or convenient to
fulfill its purposes. For the purposes of condemnation, a strict
discipline academy may proceed under the uniform condemnation
procedures act, 1980 PA 87, MCL 213.51 to 213.75, excluding
sections 6 to 9 of that act, MCL 213.56 to 213.59, or other
applicable statutes, but only with the express, written permission
of the authorizing body in each instance of condemnation and only
after just compensation has been determined and paid.
Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect
unless Senate Bill No. 157
of the 97th Legislature is enacted into law.
