Private schools could seek licenses before securing buildings or staff

Private academic schools could apply for a license before securing a building or formally hiring their proposed staff. These application options would cover private academic schools seeking a license. The building plan must identify a site under active consideration, a timeline for securing it, and a backup plan if the deal is delayed. Proposed staff must meet qualification requirements, and the school must intend to hire them once licensed. The act would take effect 60 days after becoming law.

The State Board of Private Academic Schools could grant temporary, conditional approval of an initial license application. Both the school and its application would need to substantially meet the law and rules. Pending items could include hiring qualified staff, submitting proof of a lease or ownership, and completing a department building inspection. The board could issue the initial license only after receiving proof that all approval conditions were met. Conditional approval would last no more than six months and would be revoked without further notice if conditions remained unmet at that deadline.

The board would set rules allowing private academic schools to apply through the department for emergency and substitute staff permits. The rules would cover teachers, professional staff, and directors, with substitute permits available for long-term or day-to-day work. The rules would set any additional requirements, conditions, or exemptions for issuing these permits. Schools relying on staff qualified through these rules could not receive an initial or renewal license until the rules and standards took effect. The board would have to establish the rules and standards within 12 months after this provision took effect.