In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “County Superintendent” means the Frederick County Superintendent of Schools. “LYNX High School” means a Linking Youth to New Experiences High School.

There is a LYNX High School at Frederick High School in Frederick County. The LYNX High School is a public school under the authority and supervision of the Frederick County Board of Education and the Frederick County Superintendent of Schools. The purposes of the LYNX High School are to: Provide individualized, self–directed learning opportunities for every student in accordance with a personal plan for success that is developed by each student with the assistance of education and business advocates and parents or guardians and is approved by the County Superintendent; In accordance with a student’s personal plan for success, allow the student to select academic course work, the method of instruction, and the pace of learning that works best for the individual student; and Allow the student to participate in and move between project–based learning experiences at the high school and college levels and work, internship, or apprenticeship experiences focused on college and career readiness competencies as an integral part of the student’s curriculum.

On or before September 30, 2016, the County Superintendent shall develop, in consultation and collaboration with teachers, administrators, and noncertificated personnel in the school and the exclusive representatives for teachers, principals, and noncertificated personnel, and submit to the county board for approval a plan that describes in detail the program description, proposed curriculum, evaluation procedures, performance standards, and standards for graduation for students to be enrolled in the LYNX High School. The plan under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall describe: How course credits will be assigned to classroom academic course work and other learning opportunities; How students may earn credits other than through classroom academic course work; How the curriculum will hold each student accountable for meeting the requirements of the Maryland College and Career–Ready Standards; How students will be assessed on the Maryland College and Career–Ready Standards; The hours and days of operation of the LYNX High School; The use of online courses and other learning opportunities and a proposed method of approving online courses that meets the requirements and pace of the curriculum; and Any other relevant information as determined by the County Superintendent. On or before December 1, 2016, the county board shall approve the plan submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection. After the county board has approved the plan submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the County Superintendent shall submit the plan to the State Board for review. On receipt of the plan submitted under subsection (a) of this section, the county board shall consult with the County Superintendent to ensure that the plan is: In the best interests of the students of the LYNX High School; and As it relates to working conditions, compliant with collective bargaining agreements and any requirements of Subtitles 4 and 5 of Title 6 of this article. Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, within 45 days after the day of receipt of the plan submitted under subsection (a)(4) of this section and in accordance with the authority of the State Board under § 2–205 of this article to grant waivers from regulations adopted by the State Board, the State Board shall grant the LYNX High School a waiver from any regulation that conflicts with the plan approved by the county board. A waiver required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be granted related to: Personnel requirements in COMAR 13A.12.01 or 13A.12.02; Mandatory school days and school year requirements in COMAR 13A.03.02.12; or Assessment requirements in COMAR 13A.03.02.06. A waiver granted under paragraph (1) of this subsection that relates to working conditions shall be subject to Subtitles 4 and 5 of Title 6 of this article. After granting a waiver from its regulations under subsection (c) of this section, the State Board and the County Superintendent shall meet with representatives of the Maryland Department of Labor regarding the development and implementation of apprenticeship experiences for students to be enrolled in the LYNX High School.

The LYNX High School may apply for and accept donations, grants, or other financial assistance from a government entity or any nonprofit or other private organization.

The County Superintendent shall conduct an evaluation of the LYNX High School each year. On or before September 30 in every odd–numbered year, the County Superintendent shall submit to the State Board an evaluation report for the prior fiscal year that includes: The academic and career progress of each student enrolled in the LYNX High School; The level of satisfaction of the students, teachers, parents or guardians, and advocates with the LYNX High School; and The LYNX High School’s fiscal year financial report. The LYNX High School may continue to operate until the County Superintendent sends to the State Board a written notice that the LYNX High School has been discontinued.