STRICT DISCIPLINE ACADEMIES: 

EXPAND MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Senate Bill 644 (Substitute S-1)

Sponsor:  Sen. Dave Hildenbrand

House Committee:  Education

Senate Committee:  Education

Complete to 6-3-14

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 644 (S-1) AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 3-18-14

Senate Bill 644 (S-1) would amend the Revised School Code to allow a strict discipline academy to enroll a student who was placed in a high- or medium-security juvenile facility, mental health facility, or child caring institution operated by a private agency.

Currently the Revised School Code provides for the creation of 'strict discipline academies'—a kind of charter school designed to enroll the following types of students:

o                   Students placed in the 'strict discipline academy' by a court, or by the Department of Human Services, or a county juvenile agency under the direction of a court;

o                   Students who have been expelled under Sections 1311(2) or 1311a of the Revised School Code; and

o                   Other students who have been expelled, or those who have been suspended for more than 10 school days, and who have been referred to the 'strict discipline academy' by the school, and placed there by parent or legal guardian.

Additionally under the law, a 'strict discipline academy" must be open for enrollment of a special education student, if the individualized education program team recommends placement.  Senate Bill 644 (S-1) would retain all of these provisions.

In addition, under the bill, a 'strict discipline academy" could enroll a student who was placed in a high-security or medium-security juvenile facility, mental health facility, or child caring institution that was operated by a private agency.

The bill also would repeal Section 1311c of the Revised School Code, which requires the State Board of Education to submit to the Legislature an annual comprehensive report evaluating 'strict discipline academies.'

MCL 380.1311g et al.                                         

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 644 (S-1) would allow a strict discipline academy to enroll a student who was placed in a high- or medium security juvenile facility, or child care institution operated by a private agency.  These "at risk" students may be more costly to educate, and therefore could increase related costs.  Also, the additional students, if currently not counted in the state pupil membership, would increase costs to the School Aid budget by the amount of the per pupil foundation allowance.

The bill also would repeal Section 1311c of the Revised School Code, which requires the State Board of Education to submit to the Legislature an annual comprehensive report evaluating strict discipline academies, which could produce administrative cost savings for the Department of Education.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Bethany Wicksall

                                                                                                                           Karen Shapiro

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.