Bill > H718

This bill aims to ensure charter school transparency and public accountability. It has several key provisions: 1. Requiring charter schools to publish their original applications, charter agreements, governing board member information, meeting minutes, policies, and financial information online for public access. 2. Mandating that at least 50% of charter school governing board members be elected parent and student representatives, and that non-parent/student members reside in the school district. 3. Ensuring charter school governing board meetings are open to the public and comply with state open meeting laws. 4. Prohibiting charter schools from using enrollment practices that exclude or discourage certain students, and creating an independent ombudsman office to address enrollment and student classification issues. 5. Requiring detailed reporting on student attrition, disciplinary actions, and voluntary/involuntary exits, with data disaggregated by student demographics. 6. Establishing standards for charter school disciplinary codes and practices to avoid discriminatory or disproportionate punishments. 7. Enhancing financial transparency, including requirements for independent legal, accounting, and auditing services, and public disclosure of administrative and marketing expenses. 8. Protecting charter school stakeholders from retaliation for whistleblowing. The bill aims to increase oversight, accountability, and transparency for charter schools in Massachusetts.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H718