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HF3231 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Charter school authorizer provisions modified.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill modifies provisions related to charter school authorizers in Minnesota. It aims to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of authorizers and charter school boards, improve transparency and accountability, and enhance governance and decision-making processes within charter schools.

Main Provisions

  • Roles and Responsibilities of Authorizers: The bill outlines that authorizers are responsible for ensuring charter schools have the autonomy to meet educational goals and are accountable for their performance. Authorizers must review applications for new schools and changes, negotiate performance contracts, and monitor school performance.
  • Charter School Board Membership: The bill specifies criteria for charter school board membership, emphasizing diversity and the inclusion of community members. It restricts relatives and individuals with potential conflicts of interest from serving on the board.
  • Board Duties and Governance: Charter school boards must implement policies for school operation, including budgeting and personnel evaluation. They must establish financial committees and adopt nepotism policies.
  • Nonrenewal or Termination of Contracts: The bill provides grounds for the nonrenewal or termination of charter school contracts, such as unsatisfactory academic performance or fiscal mismanagement. It also outlines the process for informal hearings before contract termination.
  • Affiliated Nonprofit Building Corporations: The use of affiliated nonprofit organizations to manage school facilities is regulated, requiring compliance with state laws and IRS regulations.
  • Information Dissemination: Charter schools are required to disseminate information that reflects Minnesota's diverse population, including enrollment procedures. Authorizers must share information about forming and operating charter schools, and charter schools must maintain transparency on their websites.
  • Financial Information: Schools and authorizers must provide financial statements upon request to ensure transparency regarding operations and financial standings.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill updates procedural and operational standards for charter school authorizers and boards, adds requirements for diversity and transparency in charter school governance, and enforces stricter accountability measures for financial and operational management.

Relevant Terms

  • Charter school authorizers
  • Performance charter contracts
  • School board governance
  • Conflict of interest
  • Nonprofit building corporations
  • Financial transparency
  • Nonrenewal and termination of contracts

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy
April 22, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy
April 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 24, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 24, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 27, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor changed
April 27, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor changed

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies requirements for licensed teachers on charter school boards."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced to define the qualifications necessary for an individual to serve as a teacher on a charter school board.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "122A.16",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Establishes clarification on teacher evaluation processes required."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modification to duties and responsibilities of charter school boards, including the establishment of a teacher evaluation process.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "124E.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference is made to the incorporation requirements for affiliated nonprofit building corporations related to charter schools.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "317A",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Affiliated nonprofit building corporations must comply with government data practices under this chapter.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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