The bill, HB 2723, proposes significant changes to Missouri's education laws, particularly concerning charter schools and their accountability. It repeals several existing sections of law and enacts twelve new sections that establish updated provisions for charter school operations. Key requirements for charter applications are introduced, including the necessity for a legally binding performance contract, a comprehensive financial plan, and adherence to state educational standards. The bill emphasizes accountability by mandating annual performance reports and compliance with laws regarding student discipline and special education services. Additionally, it prioritizes support for high-risk students and allows alternative arrangements for obtaining graduation credits, while ensuring charter schools comply with procurement processes and wage standards. Moreover, the bill expands the scope of accountability to include private and charter schools in the statewide assessment system, ensuring all educational institutions are evaluated on student performance. It introduces new provisions for school accountability report cards, requiring transparency in metrics such as enrollment and attendance rates. The bill also modifies employment regulations for noncertificated instructional personnel, reducing the allowable percentage from twenty percent to ten percent, and mandates background checks for all employees. Furthermore, it defines school calendars for public and private institutions, allowing for flexibility in scheduling while maintaining educational standards. Overall, HB 2723 aims to enhance the framework for charter schools and improve accountability across all types of educational institutions in Missouri.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6013H.01): 160.405, 160.420, 160.518, 160.522, 160.545, 161.092, 162.012, 162.015, 163.023, 166.706, 168.011, 171.031