Regional education centers receive transportation grants after financial reviews

Regional education centers must receive transportation grants after a financial review, with payments made in stages. This applies to transportation grants provided to regional education centers. Review costs may be paid from the transportation grant. For fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and later, up to 95% may be paid by June 30; remaining payments follow the review.

The State Board of Education must give preference to certain charter school applicants. Preferences include applicants serving students with academic, social, or other listed needs; students in priority or high-minority districts; and certain work-site schools or higher education institutions. The board considers these factors when deciding whether to approve a charter. Applies when the State Board of Education decides whether to approve a charter application.

The Department of Education administers a surrogate parent program for certain foster children. The program covers foster children living in Region 3 as identified by the Department of Children and Families. A child's parent or guardian must agree to or not object to the appointment, receives the same notices, and may revoke the appointment at any time.

A committee studying a proposed regional school district must address transportation costs in its report. This applies to committees studying whether to establish a regional school district. A committee whose findings support creating a regional district must include the listed planning details, including transportation costs. The committee presents the report upon completing its study.