The proposed bill establishes the 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 approval and renewal processes, as well as creating a centralized repository for information related to interdistrict magnet school programs and charter school governance. The office will also develop a report aimed at enhancing transparency in the initial funding process for charter schools, which is to be submitted to the relevant committees of the General Assembly by July 1, 2026. The bill amends Section 10-66bb of the general statutes, extending the timeline for the State Board of Education's charter approval process to July 1, 2026, and clarifying that the initial certificate of approval will not be considered a license.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to the charter school approval process, including the removal of the initial certificate requirement, allowing the State Board of Education to grant full charters directly. It mandates local boards of education to review charter applications within seventy-five days and requires the State Board to vote on applications within sixty days. The bill emphasizes the need for charter schools to serve specific student populations, including those with low academic performance and special needs, and outlines the necessary components of charter applications. It also establishes new requirements for the annual review of applications and the renewal process, allowing the State Board to deny renewal based on insufficient student progress. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability, streamline operations, and ensure that charter schools effectively meet the educational needs of diverse 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