SB 431

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Prohibits an authorizer from: (1) authorizing a charter to an organizer if a charter school of the organizer has been closed within the past five years; or (2) accepting a proposal from an organizer that operates a charter school that does not meet certain school accountability grade thresholds. Requires certain authorizers that are not currently required to be approved for chartering authority to be approved for chartering authority before granting a new charter or renewing a charter. Prohibits a charter school from enrolling new students who are not currently enrolled in the charter school under certain circumstances. Provides that an administrative fee for certain authorizers is dependent upon the category or designation that the charter school receives regarding its school accountability grade. Requires the department of education to provide staff to carry out the duties of the Indiana charter school board (charter board). Requires authorizers to be responsible for certain amounts owed by a charter school and to cosign for a loan from the common school fund. Requires each organizer and authorizer of a charter school to submit to the state board of education a surety bond or other form of financial guarantee and establishes consequences for an organizer or authorizer that fails to submit the bond or guarantee. Repeals a provision that provides that funding for the charter board consists of administrative fees.