BILL NUMBER: S10658
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the approval of appli-
cations of charter schools and to establishing the board of regents as
the primary charter school vetting and oversight authority
 
PURPOSE:
To require local approval before a charter school may be established,
renewed, or substantially revised, ensuring that communities have a
direct role in decisions that impact their public schools and the use of
public education funds.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 2851 of the education law to require local
approval of charter school applications and renewals through Community
District Education Councils in New York City and by qualified voters in
other school districts before consideration by a charter entity. The
section also designates the Board of Regents as the sole charter author-
izer, removes the State University of New York as a charter entity, and
conditions the receipt of school district funds on compliance with the
local approval process.
Section 2 amends section 2852 of the education law to require local
certification before charter applications, modifications, revisions, or
relocations may be acted upon by a charter entity.
Section 3 adds a new subdivision to section 2852 of the education law to
designate the Board of Regents as the primary statewide oversight
authority for charter schools and establish its oversight responsibil-
ities.
Section 4 provides that the act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The establishment and operation of charter schools can have significant
educational and financial impacts on the communities in which they are
located. Because charter schools receive public funding and may affect
enrollment, budgeting, and long-term planning within local school
districts, residents should have a meaningful opportunity to participate
in decisions regarding their approval and continued operation. This
legislation strengthens local accountability by requiring public hear-
ings and community approval before a charter school may be established,
renewed, or substantially revised. It ensures that those most directly
affected by these decisions have a voice in the process while maintain-
ing statewide oversight by the Board of Regents.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effective immediately.

Statutes affected:
S10658: 2852 education law