S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 7.33 of S.L. 2021-180 modifies the criteria for a board of directors of a charter school to qualify for fast-track replication. If the board of directors operates the charter schools itself, then the majority of charter schools in the State governed by that board of directors must have student academic outcomes from the three prior school years that are equal to or greater than student academic outcomes in the local school administrative unit (LEA) in which each charter school is located. Additionally, the board of directors must provide three years of financially sound audits for each school it governs.

If the board of directors agrees to contract with an education management organization or charter management organization, the board of directors must be able to demonstrate that the majority of the charter schools in this State managed by the organization have student academic outcomes from the three prior school years that are equal to or greater than student academic outcomes in the LEA in which each charter school is located. Additionally, the organization must be able to provide three years of financially sound audits for each school it governs.

This section became effective November 18, 2021, and applies to applications for fast-track replication of charter schools submitted on or after that date.