The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to charter school contracts, specifically RCW 28A.710.040, 28A.710.160, and 28A.300.750. Key provisions include the requirement for charter schools to comply with local, state, and federal laws, including health, safety, and nondiscrimination laws, while also providing a basic education program that meets state learning standards unless exempted by the charter contract. The bill introduces new reporting requirements for charter schools regarding noncertificated instructional staff and mandates that charter contracts clearly outline performance expectations and measures for evaluation. Additionally, it allows for the possibility of waivers from certain educational provisions for both school districts and charter schools to enhance educational programs.

The bill also specifies that the charter contract must be executed within 90 days of the approval of a charter application and establishes that the initial contract term is five operating years. It emphasizes the need for authorizers to monitor the start-up progress of newly approved charter schools and ensures that no charter school can commence operations without an executed charter contract. Furthermore, the bill expands the authority of the state board of education to grant waivers to both school districts and charter schools, allowing for flexibility in implementing local educational plans.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.710.040, 28A.710.160
Substitute Bill: 28A.710.040, 28A.710.160, 28A.300.750