Substitute Senate Bill No. 1349 seeks to improve the charter school approval process in Connecticut by establishing a Statewide Office of School Choice within the Department of Education, effective July 1, 2025. This new office will be responsible for overseeing charter school operations, including the request for proposal process and charter renewals, while also creating a centralized repository for information on interdistrict magnet school programs and charter governance. The bill introduces significant amendments to Section 10-66bb of the general statutes, including the repeal of outdated provisions and the introduction of new deadlines for charter applications. Notably, it removes the term "initial" from the approval process, allowing the State Board of Education to grant a full certificate of approval directly, and emphasizes the need for charter schools to serve specific populations, such as multilingual learners.

Additionally, the bill outlines new requirements for charter school applications, mandating detailed descriptions of the school's mission, governance, financial plans, and student recruitment strategies, while ensuring a commitment to diversity and non-discrimination. It also establishes a process for local boards of education to review applications and gauge community interest. The bill enhances accountability by allowing the Commissioner of Education to place charter schools on probation for noncompliance and outlines the process for revoking a charter. Furthermore, it mandates biennial reports from the education commissioner in collaboration with the new office, expanding the report's content to include recommendations for charter school expansion and funding assessments. Overall, sSB1349 aims to streamline the charter school approval process while ensuring that these institutions effectively serve diverse and underserved student populations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-66bb, 10-66gg, 10-66rr
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-66bb, 10-66gg, 10-66rr
APP Joint Favorable: 10-66bb, 10-66gg, 10-66rr
File No. 874: 10-66bb, 10-66gg, 10-66rr