Substitute Senate Bill No. 1349 seeks to reform 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 the charter school application and renewal processes, as well as creating a centralized repository for information related to interdistrict magnet school programs and charter governance. The bill mandates the office to produce a report by July 1, 2026, aimed at enhancing transparency in the initial funding process for charter schools. Key amendments include the elimination of the initial certificate of approval, allowing the State Board of Education (SBE) to grant full charters directly, and the introduction of new requirements for charter applications, which must now include details about the school's mission, governance, financial plans, and student admission criteria.

The bill also modifies the timeline for charter approvals, requiring local boards of education to vote on applications within seventy-five days and the SBE to do so within sixty days. It emphasizes the need for charter schools to demonstrate effective outreach to diverse student populations and introduces new accountability measures, including the ability for the Commissioner of Education to place schools on probation for inadequate performance. Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces existing statutes related to charter school governance, including the biennial reporting requirements, and mandates background checks for governing council members. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the charter school process while ensuring greater oversight, accountability, and transparency in the educational landscape.

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