This bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to enhance the requirements and oversight of charter schools. Key provisions include the requirement for the state board of education to notify school districts of the number of resident students enrolled in charter schools before the school year begins and to report on students who withdraw from charter schools and reenter public schools. Additionally, the bill stipulates that charter schools must comply with public fund usage restrictions and mandates that each student take state and federally required assessments, with results reported to parents and the department of education.

The bill also establishes governance standards for charter schools, requiring that governing board members be Iowa residents, with at least 50% being parents or guardians of currently enrolled students, and includes a representative from the local school district as a voting member. Furthermore, it prohibits the approval of new charter schools if it would exceed a ratio of one charter school per 10,000 students in specific grade levels. The state board is tasked with developing oversight standards that include regular monitoring and differentiated oversight based on performance, ensuring accountability and transparency in charter school operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 256E.4, 256E.5, 256E.7, 256E.10, 256E.12, 22.7