Bill > S372

This bill aims to ensure charter school transparency and public accountability. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring charter schools to make their original application, charter agreement, governing board member information, meeting minutes, policies, budgets, and management contracts publicly available online. 2. Mandating that at least 50% of charter school governing board members be elected parent and student representatives, and requiring non-parent/student members to reside in the school district. 3. Ensuring charter schools comply with state laws on public meetings, records, and information disclosure, with specific sanctions for non-compliance. 4. Prohibiting charter schools from using enrollment practices that exclude or discourage certain students, and establishing an ombudsman office to address enrollment and withdrawal issues. 5. Requiring detailed reporting on student attrition, disciplinary actions, and due process protections, with oversight by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 6. Establishing standards for charter school financial practices, including independent audits, disclosure of expenses, and oversight of facility ownership and contracts. The bill aims to increase transparency, public accountability, and equitable access for charter schools in the state.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S372