This bill introduces a new chapter in Title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, dedicated to the establishment and governance of public charter schools. It defines essential terms such as "at-risk student," "charter performance agreement," and "public charter school," while granting these schools autonomy in budgeting, curriculum, and operations. However, they remain accountable to a governing board and the superintendent of public instruction. The legislation mandates that public charter schools adhere to state performance standards and outlines enrollment procedures, including a lottery system if demand exceeds capacity. Additionally, the bill specifies the responsibilities of the superintendent, including the evaluation of charter school applications and the monitoring of their performance, with a requirement to report to legislative management within three years of the first charter school's approval.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for charter performance agreements between the superintendent and the governing boards of public charter schools. It clarifies that an approved application does not equate to a charter performance agreement, which must be executed within sixty days of approval and include academic, operational, and fiscal performance expectations. The agreement is essential for a public charter school to commence operations and must contain various performance indicators and annual targets. The bill also outlines the terms of the charter performance agreement, including a five-year initial term, renewal processes, and conditions for revocation or non-renewal. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability and oversight of public charter schools while ensuring compliance with educational standards.