Bill > SB1971

This bill, concerning charter schools in Oklahoma, introduces new requirements for charter school applications and strengthens oversight and performance reviews. It mandates that applicants and sponsors complete specific training, and applications must now include more detailed information about the school's operations, finances, and student support plans. A key provision requires annual oversight and performance reviews for each charter school, which must evaluate academic, operational, and financial performance, assess the school's administrator, and administer an anonymous survey to parents and guardians. The results of these reviews must be shared with the school's governing board and posted online by the sponsor. Furthermore, the bill clarifies procedures for charter contract renewals and terminations, including requirements for sponsors to provide detailed performance reports and for charter schools to address any identified deficiencies. It also establishes consequences for sponsors who fail to conduct these reviews or address compliance issues, potentially leading to the suspension of their authority to sponsor new charter schools, and mandates that such deficiencies be clearly identified. The bill also updates language regarding student discipline policies for students with disabilities and ensures charter schools and virtual charter schools adhere to open meeting and open records laws, including a public comment period and posting their response procedures for open records requests.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1971&Session=2600