Bill > HB158

This bill changes several provisions governing charter schools in Missouri. Key provisions include: 1. Expanding the types of school districts that can have charter schools, including school districts located within a county with a charter form of government or any municipality with more than 30,000 inhabitants. 2. Specifying the entities that are eligible to sponsor charter schools, including the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, which is created by this bill. 3. Establishing requirements for charter school applications, performance contracts, and operations, including financial accountability, enrollment policies, and procedures for school closure. 4. Allowing charter schools sponsored by an entity other than the local school board to continue operating even if the district becomes fully accredited. 5. Placing restrictions on cities not within a county from prohibiting the use of city-owned property for charter school purposes. 6. Requiring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to calculate and publish annual performance reports for each charter school. Overall, this bill aims to expand charter school options and provide more oversight and accountability for their operations in Missouri.