Bill > S1096

This bill requires that an independent third party audit the random selection process for admitting students to charter schools, ensuring fairness when more applications are received than there are available spots, and that this process be observed by the school's sponsor or a mutually agreed-upon third party. It also allows district school boards to make surplus or unused property available to charter schools, potentially for a negotiated fee, and clarifies that maintenance funds generated by a facility can be used if consistent with the district's long-term plan. Additionally, the Commissioner of Education may grant exemptions to certain building code requirements for educational facilities upon a district school board's request, provided a cost-benefit analysis is submitted, though other building and fire codes must still be followed. Finally, charter schools with a deteriorating financial condition, as defined by state law, will be ineligible to receive capital outlay funding, which is money provided for building and facility expenses.