Education - Virtual Schools - Operation by For-Profit Entities

HB 1373 removes a prohibition that previously prevented Maryland county school boards from contracting with for-profit companies to operate virtual schools. The bill specifically revises Maryland law to allow county boards to contract with either for-profit or nonprofit entities for virtual school management, while maintaining existing requirements like no pre-K/kindergarten classes and compliance with all public school laws. This change directly affects county school boards, which now have expanded options for virtual school operators. The bill does not alter other operational rules for virtual schools, such as department approval requirements or the prohibition on serving early childhood grades. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.