Bill > A5936

This bill establishes various requirements for charter schools, their boards of trustees, and organizations that manage them. It defines "charter management organization" as a non-profit that manages one or more charter schools, and "education management organization" as a for-profit entity that does the same. The bill amends existing laws to require charter school applications to demonstrate a need not currently met by existing schools, and to ensure that charter schools are physically located within the state and do not primarily operate online. It also clarifies that charter schools cannot contract with for-profit entities for management or operation, though existing contracts with education management organizations are grandfathered in. The bill mandates increased transparency by requiring charter schools and management organizations to post more information online, including budgets, contracts, and annual reports. It also sets new requirements for charter school board members, including specific experience and residency in the state, and prohibits non-disclosure agreements and restrictive covenants for employees. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for charter renewal, probationary status, and revocation, and requires compensation studies for top employees and public hearings for contract changes with lead persons or management organizations. Finally, it mandates training for charter school board members on governance and compensation studies, and clarifies the effective dates for various provisions.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5936