§7–1402.

    (a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to the approval of the Department, a county board may establish one virtual school for the elementary, middle, and high school grade bands.

        (2)    The Department may provide preliminary authorization to a county board to establish one additional virtual school on a showing of just cause, as determined by the Department.

        (3)    The Department may revoke approval of a virtual school if during the previous school year the virtual school fails to meet the standards established by the Department in regulation.

        (4)    (i)    A county board may appeal a denial or revocation of approval for the establishment of a virtual school to the State Board for adjudication during a public hearing.

            (ii)    The State Board shall develop an appeals process to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

    (b)    A virtual school may not include classes for prekindergarten or kindergarten students.

    (c)    A virtual school is subject to all applicable federal and State laws and regulations governing the operation of a public school.

    (d)    Each approved virtual school shall have a unique school code assigned by the Department.

    (e)    (1)    A county board may not contract with a for–profit entity, but may contract with a nonprofit entity, to operate or administer a virtual school for the county board.

        (2)    The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be construed to prohibit a county board from contracting with a for–profit entity for goods and services for a virtual school.