This bill proposes the establishment of a new chapter in Title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to govern public charter schools, defining key terms such as "at-risk student," "charter performance agreement," and "public charter school." It outlines the authority and operational requirements for these schools, emphasizing their status as public entities that must meet state performance standards and provide educational programs for at-risk students. The bill mandates that public charter schools enroll all interested students unless capacity is exceeded and establishes a lottery system for admissions when necessary. It also details the responsibilities of the superintendent of public instruction in evaluating applications, monitoring performance, and reporting to legislative management.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to existing laws, focusing on application processes, performance agreements, and oversight. It requires the superintendent to provide written reasons for application decisions, maintain a list of approved applications, and execute performance agreements within sixty days of approval. These agreements will outline expectations and monitoring standards, with a five-year term and provisions for renewal. The legislation emphasizes accountability through annual evaluations and performance reports, while also establishing governance requirements, funding mechanisms, and conflict of interest policies for charter schools. Overall, the bill aims to create a structured and transparent framework for the operation and oversight of public charter schools in North Dakota.