The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the governance and operational requirements for public charter schools. Key changes include the elimination of the requirement for charter schools to consult with nationally recognized organizations and the stipulation that no charter school may commence operations before the proposed school year. It also allows existing charter schools in good standing to establish second campuses and permits the creation of rural charter schools under the sponsorship of public charter or county school boards. Additionally, the bill introduces the Supporting Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools Act (SOAR), which provides a right of first refusal for charter schools regarding unused public school properties and streamlines the application process for establishing rural charter schools.

Moreover, the bill mandates the state board to create rules for charter school funding, ensuring that 99 percent of the per pupil basic foundation allowance follows students to their respective charter schools. It establishes accountability measures for charter schools and their authorizers, requiring justifications for not closing underperforming schools. The governance structure for charter schools is detailed, including the responsibilities of governing boards and the requirement for charter schools to operate as their own local education agencies. The SOAR provisions allow for expedited applications for rural charter schools following school closures, ensuring that the county board cannot offload properties during the application period. The bill also facilitates partnerships with higher education institutions for the establishment of on-campus public charter microschools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5G-8, 18-5G-18
Engrossed Version: 18-5G-8, 18-5G-18
Enrolled Version: 18-5G-3, 18-5G-4, 18-5G-7, 18-5G-8, 18-5G-18, 18-5G-19, 18-8-1