Bill > HB942

This bill modifies provisions governing the establishment and operation of charter schools in Missouri by expanding and clarifying the conditions under which charter schools can be established. The bill introduces a new requirement that starting in the 2026-27 school year, potential charter schools must conduct and submit a community-needs feasibility study to the state board of education and the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. This study must address community demand, financial feasibility, instruction equity and diversity, and potential impacts on desegregation efforts. The bill also changes the composition of the Missouri Charter Public School Commission by removing the restriction on members from the same congressional district and adding a requirement that commission members reside in a school district with an existing charter school. Additionally, the bill provides more detailed guidelines for sponsoring entities, including strict oversight procedures, performance evaluation standards, and potential corrective actions for sponsors not meeting compliance requirements. The legislation aims to ensure that charter schools are established with careful consideration of community needs, maintain high educational standards, and operate with transparency and accountability.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB942&year=2025&code=R