The Charter Schools Act (675)

To establish a framework for the creation and governance of charter schools, ensuring compliance with national educational standards while providing families with greater choice in education.

Article 1: Purpose and Definitions

1. Purpose:
   • To create and support a network of charter schools that offer alternative educational opportunities for students while adhering to national educational standards.
   • To establish a funding mechanism for charter schools and provide parents with a governance role.
2. Definitions:
   • Charter School: A publicly funded, independently managed school that operates under a charter approved by the Ministry of Health & Education.
   • Charter School Fund (CSF): A fund created within the Ministry of Health & Education to support the operation and development of charter schools.
   • Land Value Tax Adjustment: An additional 2% levy on the land value tax for families who enroll their children in charter schools, contributing to the CSF.

Article 2: Charter School Fund

1. Creation of the Fund:
   • The Charter School Fund (CSF) is hereby established within the Ministry of Health & Education.
   • The fund shall be financed by:
     • The additional 2% land value tax levied on families enrolling children in charter schools.
     • Supplemental appropriations from the national budget.
     • Private donations and grants.
2. Allocation of Funds:
   • Funds collected under this Act shall be distributed equitably based on the number of students enrolled in each charter school.
   • Allocation shall prioritize compliance with the State Education and Standards Act, 649, Articles 5, 6, and 7.

Article 3: Establishing Charter Schools

1. Application Process:
   • Individuals, organizations, or communities may apply to establish charter schools through the Ministry of Health & Education.
   • Applications must include:
     • A proposed curriculum in compliance with Articles 5, 6, and 7 of the State Education and Standards Act, 649.
     • A governance plan that adheres to the requirements outlined in Section 4 of this Act.
2. Approval Criteria:
   • Applications will be reviewed for compliance with national standards, financial sustainability, and community support.

Article 4: Governance of Charter Schools

1. Parental Governance Boards:
   • Each charter school shall be governed by a board composed of parents whose children attend the school.
   • The governance board shall have authority over the school’s budget, policies, and operations, ensuring compliance with the charter agreement.
2. Elections for Governance Boards:
   • Governance boards shall be elected via proportional partisan voting.
   • Political groups may apply to be listed on the ballot.
   • Seats on the board will be allocated based on the percentage of votes each group receives in the election.
   • Only parents of enrolled students may vote or run for governance board seats.

Article 5: Curriculum Flexibility and Standards

1. Curriculum Requirements:
   • Charter schools must comply with the curriculum standards outlined in Articles 5, 6, and 7 of the State Education and Standards Act, 649.
   • Charter schools may teach additional subjects or offer specialized programs beyond the national standards, provided these do not conflict with the required curriculum.

Article 6: Taxation and Funding Mechanism

1. Land Value Tax Adjustment:
   • Families who enroll their children in charter schools shall pay an additional 2% on their existing land value tax.
   • Revenue from this tax shall be deposited into the Charter School Fund and distributed per enrolled student.
2. Exemptions:
   • Families not enrolling their children in charter schools are exempt from this additional tax.

Article 7: Oversight and Compliance

1. Ministry Oversight:
   • The Ministry of Health & Education shall oversee compliance with this Act and conduct annual reviews of charter school performance.
   • Non-compliant schools may face penalties, including revocation of their charter.
2. Transparency:
   • Charter schools must publicly disclose financial reports and performance metrics annually.

Written by Malia Mackenzie Marshall (CAP)