HB 2910 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Provides that charter schools may be established to:  Provide a learning environment that will improve pupil achievement; expand opportunities for principals and teachers in neighborhood schools; and provide additional academic choices for parents and pupils.  Charter schools may consist of new schools or all or any portion of an existing school.

     Designates an application and renewal process.

     Requires the charter of a charter school to ensure the following:  (1) Compliance with federal, state, and local rules and statutes relating to health, safety, and civil rights;

     (2) that it is nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices, and in all other operations; and

     (3) that it provides a comprehensive program of instruction for at least a kindergarten program or any grade between grades one and twelve.

     Requires the charter of a charter school to include a description of the charter school's personnel policies, personnel qualifications, method of school governance, and the specific role and duties of the sponsor of the charter school.

     Requires the charter to include the academic standards that will be expected of students and the criteria and assessments that will be used to measure student progress.

     Directs the superintendent of public instruction, in conjunction with the department of general administration, to annually publish a list of vacant and unused buildings and vacant and unused portions of buildings that are owned by this state or by school districts and that may be suitable for the operation of a charter school.