HB 311 -- Charter Schools

Sponsor:  Yates

This bill changes the laws regarding charter schools.  In its
main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Allows charter schools to be operated in St. Louis County;

(2)  Adds the mayor of St. Louis City and any public or private
four-year college or university in Missouri with an approved
accredited teacher education program to the list of eligible
sponsors;

(3)  Allows institutions whose primary campus is located in
Missouri to be affiliated institutions;

(4)  Requires sponsors to:

(a)  Expend no less than 90% of its sponsorship funds in support
of the school or as a direct investment in the school;

(b)  Maintain a comprehensive application process that follows
fair procedures and rigorous criteria for schools applying for
sponsorship;

(c)  Negotiate contracts with schools that clearly articulate the
rights and responsibilities of each party; and

(d)  Conduct contract oversight that includes performance
evaluation, compliance monitoring, informed decisions, and
assurance of autonomy;

(5)  Removes the "sole-purpose" requirement and allows a charter
school to declare itself a local educational agency;

(6)  Allows charter schools to maintain a $500,000 or more
insurance policy issued by a Missouri company on its employees
against theft instead of a surety bond based on the school's cash
flow; and

(7)  Allows nonresident students from the same or adjoining
counties who submit a timely application to enroll in a charter
school whose mission is dropout prevention or recovery if
resident pupils are given preference when there is insufficient
capacity available.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am