The bill seeks to repeal sections 160.400 and 160.415 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and replace them with new provisions that define the operational framework for charter schools in the state. The new regulations specify that charter schools may only be established in metropolitan and urban districts, as well as in districts classified as unaccredited or provisionally accredited, while eliminating the previous eligibility for charter schools in districts within counties with populations between 150,000 and 200,000. The bill introduces new requirements for charter school sponsors, including mandatory criminal background checks for governing board members and a prohibition on fees for charter consideration, thereby enhancing accountability and oversight. Additionally, the bill outlines the financial responsibilities of school districts towards charter schools, mandating payment for eligible pupils and requiring reconciliation of any overpayments or underpayments in the following fiscal year. It allows charter schools to contract for services with local school boards and mandates that governing board members be Missouri residents, while also requiring charter school management companies to be nonprofit corporations. The bill emphasizes transparency by mandating the publication of annual performance reports on charter school websites and establishes a framework for compliance with state standards, including annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5816H.01): 160.400, 160.415