Committee OKs update to completion schools network to expand outreach and allow direct enrollment for some older students
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Summary
HB907 (substitute) updates the statewide completion‑school network: requires twice‑yearly outreach and registration information, allows parents to directly enroll students 18–22 in completion schools, preserves service continuity for unserved districts and includes state startup funding for Columbus; committee advanced the substitute by voice vote.
Madam Pro Tem (speaker 12) presented HB907 (LC492591S), a substitute updating rules for completion schools (formerly called alternative schools) and reporting the program’s statewide expansion. She said the state divided completion schools into seven regional zones, has added sites in several regions and plans Columbus to come online next school year with Macon forming later. The amended budget includes $1.7 million for Columbus to begin operations.
The substitute requires completion schools to provide twice‑yearly outreach to regional school systems about programs and registration, allows parents to directly register certain students with completion schools, and clarifies that existing completion schools may continue to serve school systems that lack a local completion school. The sponsor emphasized that the program aims to reengage students at risk of dropping out and that completion schools provide certified teachers and count FTE up to age 22 for eligible students.
Members asked operational questions — whether instruction is live or computer‑based (sponsor and chairman said instruction is in person with certified teachers and some online components), FTE treatment for students up to age 22, and how zones are being phased in. After questions, the committee motioned, voted by voice and carried HB907.
Next steps: HB907 advances to the full House; sponsors said continued funding and zone rollout will be coordinated with local systems.
