SB428 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Quinton Ross
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Dick Brewbaker
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Virtual Public Schools Act, local boards of education may provide alternative choice for education via the Internet
Summary: SB428 creates the Virtual Public Schools Act to allow the creation of Internet-based public schools that operate alongside local districts, giving families a virtual education option while students remain enrolled in their local school system.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the creation of virtual public schools by the State Board of Education and requires them to deliver instruction mainly over the Internet in a public K-12 setting. Virtual schools must provide a curriculum that meets state standards, the same number of instructional days or hours, and regular assessments; students may earn credits at their own pace through mastery. For families, the act requires providing instructional materials and access to technology or a computer lab. Students can enroll full-time or part-time and will stay enrolled in and earn credits and diplomas from their local district, with the option to participate in extracurricular activities; districts may charge tuition for non-enrolled residents.

Who It Affects
Students eligible for public schooling and their families who choose a virtual school, who would receive online instruction, materials, and technology access while remaining enrolled in their local district and potentially earning credits/diplomas there.
Local boards of education and school districts, which would establish and oversee virtual schools, provide resources, set tuition for non-enrolled residents, and ensure accountability and standards.

Key Provisions
Creates the Virtual Public Schools Act and allows the State Board of Education to establish virtual public schools.
Virtual schools must provide a curriculum meeting state standards, the same instructional days or hours as other public schools, and regular assessments.
For each enrolled student, the school must provide instructional materials and access to technology or a computer lab; students can learn at their own pace and earn credit for mastered courses.
Teachers at virtual schools must be certified and highly qualified.
Students may enroll full-time or part-time; remain enrolled in their local school system; earn credits and diploma through that system; may participate in extracurricular activities; local boards may charge tuition for non-enrolled students.
State Department of Education will annually review accountability and viability; may contract with nonprofit or for-profit entities for management; Board will promulgate implementing rules; act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Virtual Public Schools Act