To eliminate a cap on the number of online public “cyber schools,” and also eliminate a cap on the number of students that can be enrolled in a cyber school. The bill would also reduce restrictions on entities contracted to run a cyber school, and more.   Official Text and Analysis.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

To require cyber schools to post on their websites copies of contracts with the school's education management company, with other vendors, plus any leases and deeds.

To only pay internet-based public cyber-schools half the amount of state school aid for each student who attends.

To increase the cap on cyberschool enrollment to 3,000 students, rather than eliminating it. Reportedly there is currently a waiting list of 4,500 students who wish to attend.

To mandate that internet-based public "cyber-schools" have the same teacher-to-student ratio as the state average for conventional public schools.

To require a fiscal audit be performed on the state Department of Education, and on all deposits to and spending from the state school aid fund.

To eliminate a cap of two on the number of online public “cyber schools,” and also eliminate a cap of 1,000 on the total number of students that can be enrolled in all state cyber schools. The bill would also reduce restrictions on entities contracted to run a cyber school, repeal a mandate that every cyber school operate all grades from K to 12, and more.

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that authorizes a much smaller expansion of online learning.

To mandate that public cyber schools (but not other public schools) post online annual expense details, including spending on “textbooks, instructional material, and supplies, including electronic instructional material; computer and other electronic equipment; internet access; (and) salaries and benefits for employees”.

To only allow students who were previously enrolled in a public school to enroll in an online charter.

To prohibit cyber schools from hiring a professional managemnent company to operate the school, and only allow nonprofit entities to manage a cyber school.

To impose additional restrictions and performance thresholds on charter cyber school operators.

To impose additional procedural obstacles to authorizing new charter cyber schools.

To require a cyber-school employee be physcally present whenever a student takes a test or perform a written assignment.

To require cyber school operators to have experience serving "urban and at-risk student populations".

To require the Department of Education to submit a report to the legislature on the cost per student enrolled in cyber schools.

To establish that the bill go into effect on March 30, 2013.

To restrict the number of students who will be allowed to take advantage of online cyber school learning opportunities.

To require detailed expense reports from cyber school operators on textbooks, instructional materials including electronic ones; computer and other electronic equipment; internet access; (and) salaries and benefits for employees; travel costs; facility expenses; special education costs and more. Also, to require the Department of Education to prepare a report a report on the costs of Michigan cyber schools compared to ones in other states.

To require online charter cyber schools to provide each student with a computer and subsidize the cost of internet access.

To allow regular and intermediate school districts, and community colleges, to charter online cyber schools that accept students from anywhere in the state.

To require online charter cyber schools to submit student enrollment numbers to the state on a monthly basis.

To require online charter cyberschools to give new students and parents an orientation.

To gradually increase the number of Michigan students who may take advantage of online public “cyber schools.” Under current law, this is limited to just two online charter schools and 1,000 students statewide. The bill would increase this to 15 schools and not more than 2 percent of the state's public school students, subject to various additional restrictions. It would also allow community colleges, school districts and intermediate school districts to create online charter schools serving students anywhere in the state.

To give immediate effect. A two-thirds majority is needed.

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which authorizes a much more limited expansion of online learning opportunities.