This bill establishes a new section in the law specifically for charter conversion schools, detailing their establishment, funding, and auditing requirements. It defines a "charter conversion school" as a public school that has been authorized to become a chartered public school while still being managed by the school board until full authorization is granted. The process for conversion requires a vote from the school board and a two-thirds majority from the school district at a regular annual meeting. The bill also stipulates that no more than 25% of the school board members can serve on the board of trustees for a charter or charter conversion school, and it mandates that at least 25% of the board of trustees must be parents of students attending the school.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify funding mechanisms for charter conversion schools, ensuring that resident students can attend without tuition charges, except as specified for district-approved charter schools. It modifies the auditing process, requiring a first-year program audit and subsequent audits after the third year of operation. The bill also includes provisions for the ratification of charter school contracts by the school district's legislative body and specifies that funding limitations do not apply to charter conversion schools located in a pupil's resident district. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-B:1, 194-B:2, 194-B:3, 194-B:10, 194-B:11
HB1712 text: 194-B:1, 194-B:2, 194-B:3, 194-B:10, 194-B:11