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H.B. 152 Enrolled
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies the State System of Public Education Code to create a new entity to
authorize charter schools and modify requirements imposed on charter schools.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
. creates the State Charter School Board consisting of seven members appointed by
the governor;
. specifies the powers and duties of the State Charter School Board, including the
power to:
* authorize and promote the establishment of charter schools, subject to approval
of the State Board of Education; and
* hold charter schools accountable for their performance;
. provides for a staff director for the State Charter School Board appointed by the
superintendent of public instruction, with the consent of the State Charter School
Board;
. provides for the dissolution of charters with the State Board of Education and
directs the State Charter School Board to grant charters to schools previously
chartered by the State Board of Education;
. expands the purposes of charter schools;
. expands the provisions to be addressed in a school's charter;
. exempts charter schools from various state laws and rules of the State Board of
Education;
. requires the State Charter School Board to study existing state law and
administrative rules for the purpose of determining from which laws and rules charter
schools should be exempt, and submit recommendations to the State Board of
Education and the Education Interim Committee; and
. clarifies the duties of local school boards in authorizing charter schools.
Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
53A-1a-502, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 2003
53A-1a-503, as enacted by Chapter 231, Laws of Utah 1998
53A-1a-505, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 2003
53A-1a-507, as enacted by Chapter 231, Laws of Utah 1998
53A-1a-508, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 2003
53A-1a-509, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 2003
53A-1a-510, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 2003
53A-1a-511, as enacted by Chapter 231, Laws of Utah 1998
53A-1a-512, as last amended by Chapter 224, Laws of Utah 2000
53A-1a-515, as last amended by Chapters 199 and 320, Laws of Utah 2003
53A-16-101.5, as last amended by Chapters 226 and 320, Laws of Utah 2003
63-55b-153, as last amended by Chapters 131 and 223, Laws of Utah 2003
ENACTS:
53A-1a-501.3, Utah Code Annotated 1953
53A-1a-501.5, Utah Code Annotated 1953
53A-1a-501.6, Utah Code Annotated 1953
53A-1a-501.7, Utah Code Annotated 1953
53A-1a-501.8, Utah Code Annotated 1953
53A-1a-503.5, Utah Code Annotated 1953
REPEALS:
53A-1a-516, as enacted by Chapter 313, Laws of Utah 2002
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 53A-1a-501.3 is enacted to read:
53A-1a-501.3. Definitions.
As used in this part, "chartering entity" means the entity that authorizes the establishment
of a charter school.
Section 2. Section 53A-1a-501.5 is enacted to read:
53A-1a-501.5. State Charter School Board created.
(1) (a) The State Charter School Board is created consisting of the following members
appointed by the governor:
(i) two members who have expertise in finance or small business management;
(ii) three members who are appointed from a slate of at least six candidates nominated by
Utah's charter schools; and
(iii) two members who are appointed from a slate of at least four candidates nominated by
the State Board of Education.
(b) Each appointee shall have demonstrated dedication to the purposes of charter schools
as outlined in Section 53A-1a-503 .
(2) (a) State Charter School Board members shall serve four-year terms, except three of
the initial members appointed by the governor shall be appointed for a two-year term.
(b) If a vacancy occurs, the governor shall appoint a replacement for the unexpired term.
(3) (a) The State Charter School Board shall annually elect a chair from its membership.
(b) Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum.
(c) Meetings may be called by the chair or upon request of three members of the board.
(4) (a) (i) Members who are not state government employees shall receive no
compensation or benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the
performance of the members's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance
under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
(ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
(b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred
in the performance of their official duties from the State Charter School Board at the rates
established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
(ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and
expenses for their service.
Section 3. Section 53A-1a-501.6 is enacted to read:
53A-1a-501.6. Power and duties of State Charter School Board.
(1) The State Charter School Board shall:
(a) authorize and promote the establishment of charter schools, subject to the limitations
in Sections 53A-1a-502 and 53A-1a-505 ;
(b) annually review and evaluate the performance of charter schools authorized by the
State Charter School Board and hold the schools accountable for their performance;
(c) monitor charter schools authorized by the State Charter School Board for compliance
with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations;
(d) provide technical support to charter schools and persons seeking to establish charter
schools by:
(i) identifying and promoting successful charter school models;
(ii) facilitating the application and approval process for charter school authorization;
(iii) directing charter schools and persons seeking to establish charter schools to sources
of private funding and support;
(iv) reviewing and evaluating proposals to establish charter schools for the purpose of
supporting and strengthening proposals before an application for charter school authorization is
submitted to the State Charter School Board or a local school board; and
(v) assisting charter schools to understand and carry out their charter obligations;
(e) provide technical support, as requested, to a local school board relating to charter
schools;
(f) make recommendations on legislation and rules pertaining to charter schools to the
Legislature and State Board of Education, respectively; and
(g) make recommendations to the State Board of Education on the funding of charter
schools.
(2) The State Charter School Board may:
(a) contract;
(b) sue and be sued; and
(c) (i) at the discretion of the charter school, provide administrative services to, or
perform other school functions for, charter schools authorized by the State Charter School Board;
and
(ii) charge fees for the provision of services or functions.
Section 4. Section 53A-1a-501.7 is enacted to read:
53A-1a-501.7. State Charter School Board -- Staff director -- Facilities.
(1) (a) The staff director for the State Charter School Board shall be appointed by the
superintendent of public instruction, with the consent of the State Charter School Board.
(b) If the State Charter School Board withholds consent of an appointment, the board
shall state its reasons in writing to the superintendent of public instruction.
(c) The State Charter School Board may petition the superintendent of public instruction
for removal of the staff director for cause; however, the superintendent of public instruction shall
have sole authority to remove the staff director.
(d) The position of staff director is exempt from the career service provisions of Title 67,
Chapter 19, Utah State Personnel Management Act.
(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall provide space for staff of the State
Charter School Board in facilities occupied by the Utah State Office of Education, with costs
charged for the facilities equal to those charged other sections and divisions within the Utah State
Office of Education and Utah State Office of Rehabilitation.
Section 5. Section 53A-1a-501.8 is enacted to read:
53A-1a-501.8. Charter schools authorized by the State Board of Education.
(1) Effective May 3, 2004, the State Board of Education may not authorize the
establishment of new charter schools.
(2) (a) The State Board of Education shall dissolve each charter or charter agreement it
has with a charter school, and the State Charter School Board shall enter into a charter agreement
with each of those schools.
(b) The charter agreement made with the State Charter School Board shall contain
provisions, consistent with this part, giving the charter school the rights and privileges it had
under its charter with the State Board of Education.
Section 6. Section 53A-1a-502 is amended to read:
53A-1a-502. State Charter School Board to authorize the establishment of charter
schools.
[
[
[
[
science, and technology.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
Section 7. Section 53A-1a-503 is amended to read:
53A-1a-503. Purpose.
The [
(1) continue to improve student learning;
(2) encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods;
(3) create new professional opportunities for educators that will allow them to actively
participate in designing and implementing the learning program at the school;
(4) increase choice of learning opportunities for students;
(5) establish new models of public schools and a new form of accountability for schools
that emphasizes the measurement of learning outcomes and the creation of innovative
measurement tools; [
(6) provide opportunities for greater parental involvement in management decisions at the
school level[
(7) expand public school choice in areas where schools have been identified for school
improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20
U.S.C. Sec. 6301 et. seq.
Section 8. Section 53A-1a-503.5 is enacted to read:
53A-1a-503.5. Status of charter schools.
(1) Charter schools are:
(a) considered to be public schools within the state's public education system; and
(b) subject to Subsection 53A-1-401 (3).
(2) A charter school may be established by creating a new school or converting an
existing public school to charter status.
Section 9. Section 53A-1a-505 is amended to read:
53A-1a-505. Application process -- Contract.
[
[
[
(1) (a) An applicant seeking authorization of a charter school, including a New Century
High School, from the State Charter School Board shall provide a copy of the application to the
local school board of the school district in which the proposed charter school shall be located
either before or at the same time it files its application with the [
Board.
[
[
recommendations to the applicant or the [
acting on the application.
[
suggestions or recommendations made by the local school board under Subsection [
(1)(b).
[
majority vote, either approve or deny the application within 60 days after the application is
received by the board.
(e) The State Board of Education shall, by majority vote, within 60 days after action by
the State Charter School Board under Subsection (1)(d):
(i) approve or deny an application approved by the State Charter School Board; or
(ii) hear an appeal, if any, of an application denied by the State Charter School Board.
[
(1)(d) is final action subject to judicial review.
(2) The State Board of Education shall make a rule providing a timeline for the opening
of a charter school following the approval of a charter school application by the State Charter
School Board.
(3) (a) After approval of a charter school application, the applicant and the [
State Charter School Board shall set forth the terms and conditions for the operation of the
charter school in a written contractual agreement.
(b) The [
(4) (a) A school holding a charter granted by a local school board may request a charter
from the State Charter School Board.
(b) This section shall govern the application and approval of a charter requested under
Subsection (4)(a).
(c) The restrictions on the number of charter schools authorized by the State Charter
School Board in Section 53A-1a-502 do not apply to a school requesting a charter under
Subsection (4)(a).
Section 10. Section 53A-1a-507 is amended to read:
53A-1a-507. Requirements for charter schools.
(1) A charter school shall be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment
practices, and operations.
(2) A charter school may not charge tuition or fees, except those fees normally charged
by other public schools.
(3) A charter school shall meet all applicable federal, state, and local health, safety, and
civil rights requirements.
(4) (a) A charter school shall make the same annual reports required of other public
schools under Title 53A, State System of Public Education, including an annual financial audit
report.
[
(b) A charter school shall file its annual financial audit report with the Office of the State
Auditor within six months of the end of the fiscal year.
(5) A charter school shall be accountable to [
performance as provided in [
(6) A charter school may not advocate unlawful behavior.
Section 11. Section 53A-1a-508 is amended to read:
53A-1a-508. Content of a charter -- Modification of charter.
(1) The major issues involving the operation of a charter school shall be considered in
advance by the applicant for a charter school and written into the school's charter.
(2) The governing body of the charter school and the [
chartering entity shall sign the charter[
(3) The charter shall include:
(a) the age or grade levels to be served by the school;
(b) the projected maximum number of students to be enrolled in the school and the
projected enrollment in each of the first three years of operations;
(c) the governance structure of the school;
(d) the financial plan for the school and the provisions which will be made for auditing the
school under Subsection 53A-1a-507 (4)[
(e) the mission and education goals of the school, the curriculum offered, and the
methods of assessing whether students are meeting educational goals, to include at a minimum
participation in the Utah Performance Assessment System for Students under Chapter 1, Part 6,
Achievement Tests;
(f) admission and dismissal procedures, including suspension procedures;
(g) procedures to review complaints of parents regarding the operation of the school;
(h) the opportunity for parental involvement at the school;
(i) how the school will provide adequate liability and other appropriate insurance for the
school, its governing body, and its employees[
(j) the proposed school calendar, including the length of the school day and school year;
(k) whether any agreements have been entered into or plans developed with school
districts regarding participation of charter school students in extracurricular activities within the
school districts;
(l) the district within which the school will be located and the address of the school's
physical facility, if known at the time the charter is signed;
(m) the qualifications to be required of the teachers; [
(n) in the case of an existing public school converting to charter status, alternative
arrangements for current students who choose not to attend the charter school and for current
teachers who choose not to teach at the school after its conversion to charter status[
(o) the school's intention to create a library;
(p) a description of school administrative and supervisory services;
(q) fiscal procedures to be used by the school; and
(r) the school's policies and procedures regarding:
(i) employee termination;
(ii) employee evaluation; and
(iii) employment of relatives.
(4) A charter may be modified by mutual agreement of the board and the governing body
of the school.
Section 12. Section 53A-1a-509 is amended to read:
53A-1a-509. Noncompliance -- Rulemaking.
(1) (a) (i) If a charter school is found to be out of compliance with the requirements of
Section 53A-1a-507 or the school's charter, the [
notify the school's governing board in writing that the school has a reasonable time to remedy the
deficiency, except as otherwise provided in Subsection 53A-1a-510 (3)(a).
[
(ii) Subsections 53A-1a-510 (2)(a) and (b) do not apply to [
noncompliance taken under [
(b) If the school does not remedy the deficiency within the established timeline, the
chartering entity may terminate the school's charter.
(2) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
State Board of Education shall make rules:
(a) specifying the timeline for remedying deficiencies under Subsection (1)(a); and
(b) ensuring the compliance of a charter school with its approved charter.
Section 13. Section 53A-1a-510 is amended to read:
53A-1a-510. Termination of a charter.
(1) [
for any of the following reasons:
(a) failure of the school to meet the requirements stated in the charter;
(b) failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management;
(c) subject to Subsection (5), failure to make adequate yearly progress under the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001, [
seq.;
(d) violation of law; or
(e) other good cause shown.
(2) (a) The [
proposed action in writing, state the grounds for the action, and stipulate that the governing body
may request an informal hearing before the [
(b) The [
Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, within 30 days after receiving a written request
under Subsection (2)(a).
(3) (a) The [
has been shown or if the health, safety, or welfare of the students at the school is threatened.
(b) If a charter is terminated under Subsection (3)(a), the school district in which the
school is located may assume operation of the school.
(4) (a) If a charter is terminated, a student who attended the school may apply to and shall
be enrolled in another public school under the enrollment provisions of Title 53A, Chapter 2, Part
2, District of Residency, subject to space availability.
(b) Normal application deadlines shall be disregarded under Subsection (4)(a).
(5) [
to Subsection (1)(c) under the same circumstances that local educational agencies are required to
implement alternative governance arrangements under 20 U.S.C. Sec. 6316.
Section 14. Section 53A-1a-511 is amended to read:
53A-1a-511. Waivers from state board rules -- Application of statutes and rules to
charter schools.
(1) A charter school shall operate in accordance with its charter and is subject to Title
53A, State System of Public Education, and other state laws applicable to public schools, except
as otherwise provided in this part.
(2) (a) A charter school or any other public school or school district may apply to the
State Board of Education for a waiver of any state board rule that inhibits or hinders the school or
the school district from accomplishing its mission or educational goals set out in its strategic plan
or charter.
(b) The state board may grant the waiver, unless:
(i) the waiver would cause the school district or the school to be in violation of state or
federal law; or
(ii) the waiver would threaten the health, safety, or welfare of students in the district or at
the school.
(c) If the State Board of Education denies the waiver, the reason for the denial shall be
provided in writing to the waiver applicant.
(3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), State Board of Education rules governing
the following do not apply to a charter school:
(i) school libraries;
(ii) required school administrative and supervisory services; and
(iii) required expenditures for instructional supplies.
(b) A charter school shall comply with rules implementing statutes that prescribe how
state appropriations may be spent.
(4) The following provisions of Title 53A, State System of Public Education, and rules
adopted under those provisions, do not apply to a charter school:
(a) Sections 53A-1a-108 and 53A-1a-108.5 , requiring the establishment of a school
community council and school improvement plan;
(b) Sections 53A-3-413 and 53A-3-414 , pertaining to the use of school buildings as civic
centers;
(c) Section 53A-3-420 , requiring the use of activity disclosure statements;
(d) Section 53A-12-207 , requiring notification of intent to dispose of textbooks;
(e) Section 53A-13-107 , requiring annual presentations on adoption; and
(f) Chapter 19, Part 1, pertaining to fiscal procedures of school districts and local school
boards.
(5) For the purposes of Title 63, Chapter 56, Utah Procurement Code, a charter school
shall be considered a local public procurement unit.
(6) Each charter school shall be subject to:
(a) Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings; and
(b) Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act.
(7) (a) The State Charter School Board shall, in concert with the charter schools, study
existing state law and administrative rules for the purpose of determining from which laws and
rules charter schools should be exempt.
(b) (i) The State Charter School Board shall present recommendations for exemption to
the State Board of Education for consideration.
(ii) The State Board of Education shall consider the recommendations of the State
Charter School Board and respond within 60 days.
(c) Annually, the State Charter School Board shall report the results of its review of state
laws and administrative rules, along with the responses received from the State Board of
Education, to the Education Interim Committee by October 1.
Section 15. Section 53A-1a-512 is amended to read:
53A-1a-512. Employees of charter schools.
(1) A charter school shall select its own employees.
(2) The school's governing body shall determine the level of compensation and all terms
and conditions of employment, except as otherwise provided in this part.
(3) The following statutes governing public employees and officers do not apply to
charter schools:
(a) Chapter 8, Utah Orderly School Termination Procedures Act;
(b) Chapter 10, Educator Evaluation; and
(c) Title 52, Chapter 3, Prohibiting Employment of Relatives.
[
charter school, under rules adopted by the State Board of Education, shall employ teachers who:
(i) are licensed; or
(ii) on the basis of demonstrated competency, would qualify to teach under alternative
certification or authorization programs.
(b) The school's governing body shall disclose the qualifications of its teachers to the
parents of its students.
[
work in a charter school upon approval of the local school board.
(b) While on leave, the employee may retain seniority accrued in the school district and
may continue to be covered by the benefit program of the district if the charter school and the
locally elected school board mutually agree.
Section 16. Section 53A-1a-515 is amended to read:
53A-1a-515. Charters authorized by local school boards.
(1) Individuals and entities identified in Section 53A-1a-504 may enter into an agreement
with a local school board to establish and operate a charter school within the geographical
boundaries of the school district administered by the board.
(2) These schools are in addition to the limited number of charter schools authorized
[
Section 53a-1a-502 .
(3) (a) An existing public school that converts to charter status under a charter granted by
a local school board may:
(i) continue to receive the same services from the school district that it received prior to
its conversion; or
(ii) contract out for some or all of those services with other public or private providers.
(b) Any other charter school [
with the board to receive some or all of the services referred to in Subsection (3)(a).
(4) (a) (i) A public school that converts to a charter school under a charter granted by a
local school board shall receive funding:
(A) through the school district; and
(B) on the same basis as it did prior to its conversion to a charter school.
(ii) The school may also receive federal monies designated for charter schools under any
federal program.
(b) (i) A local school [
facility owned by the school district and not paying reasonable rent to the school district shall
receive funding:
(A) through the school district; and
(B) on the same basis that other district schools receive funding.
(ii) The school may also receive federal monies designated for charter schools under any
federal program.
(c) Any other charter school [
funding as provided in Section 53A-1a-513 .
(5) (a) A local school board that receives an application for a charter school under this
section shall, within 45 days, either accept or reject the application.
(b) If the board rejects the application, it shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason
for the rejection.
(c) The applicant may submit a revised application for reconsideration by the board.
(d) If the local school board refuses to [
may seek a charter from the State [
53A-1a-505 .
[
(6) The State Board of Education shall make a rule providing for a timeline for the
opening of a charter school following the approval of a charter school application by a local
school board.
(7) (a) After approval of a charter school application, the applicant and the local school
board shall set forth the terms and conditions for the operation of the charter school in a written
contractual agreement.
(b) The agreement is the school's charter.
(8) A local school board shall:
(a) annually review and evaluate the performance of charter schools authorized by the
local school board and hold the schools accountable for their performance;
(b) monitor charter schools authorized by the local school board for compliance with
federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; and
(c) provide technical support to charter schools authorized by the local school board to
assist them in understanding and performing their charter obligations.
[
53A-1a-510 .
[
charter school shall be independent of the local school board except as otherwise specifically
provided in this chapter.
Section 17. Section 53A-16-101.5 is amended to read:
53A-16-101.5. School LAND Trust Program -- Contents -- Purpose -- Distribution
of funds -- School plans for use of funds.
(1) There is established the School LAND (Learning And Nurturing Development) Trust
Program for the state's public schools to provide financial resources to enhance or improve
student academic achievement and implement a component of the school improvement plan.
(2) (a) The program shall be funded each fiscal year from that portion of the Uniform
School Fund consisting of the interest and dividends received in the immediately preceding fiscal
year from the investment of monies in the permanent State School Fund.
(b) On and after July 1, 2003, the program shall be funded as provided in Subsection
(2)(a) up to a maximum of $12,000,000 each fiscal year.
(c) The Legislature shall annually allocate, through an appropriation to the State Board of
Education, a portion of School LAND Trust Program monies for the administration of the
program.
(3) (a) The State Board of Education shall allocate the monies referred to in Subsection
(2) annually for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2000, and for each fiscal year thereafter as
follows:
(i) school districts shall receive 10% of the funds on an equal basis; and
(ii) the remaining 90% of the funds shall be distributed on a per student basis, with each
district receiving its allocation on the number of students in the district as compared to the state
total.
(b) Each school district shall distribute its allocation under Subsection (3)(a) to each
school within the district on an equal per student basis.
(c) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
board may make rules regarding the time and manner in which the student count shall be made for
allocation of the monies.
(4) [
Subsection (3), a school shall have established a school community council under Section
53A-1a-108 .
(5) (a) The school community council or its subcommittee shall develop a program to use
its allocation under Subsection (3) to implement a component of the school's improvement plan,
including:
(i) the school's identified most critical academic needs;
(ii) a recommended course of action to meet the identified academic needs;
(iii) a specific listing of any programs, practices, materials, or equipment which the school
will need to implement a component of its school improvement plan to have a direct impact on the
instruction of students and result in measurable increased student performance; and
(iv) how the school intends to spend its allocation of funds under this section to enhance
or improve academic excellence at the school.
(b) The school may develop a multiyear program, but the program shall be presented and
approved by the school community council and the local school board of the district in which the
school is located annually and as a prerequisite to receiving program funds allocated under this
section.
(6) (a) Each school shall:
(i) implement the program as approved by the school community council and approved by
the local school board;
(ii) provide ongoing support for the council's or its subcommittee's program;
(iii) meet school board reporting requirements regarding financial and performance
accountability of the program; and
(iv) publicize to its patrons and the general public on how the funds it received under this
section were used to enhance or improve academic excellence at the school and implement a
component of the school's improvement plan, including the results of those efforts.
(b) (i) Each school through its council or its subcommittee shall prepare and present an
annual report of the program to its local school board at the end of the school year.
(ii) The report shall detail the use of program funds received by the school under this
section and an assessment of the results obtained from the use of the funds.
(7) (a) The governing board of a charter school shall prepare a plan for the use of school
trust monies that includes the elements listed in Subsection (5).
(b) The plan shall be subject to approval by the entity that authorized the establishment of
the charter school.
Section 18. Section 63-55b-153 is amended to read:
63-55b-153. Repeal dates -- Titles 53, 53A, and 53B.
(1) Subsection 53-3-205 (9)(a)(i)(D) is repealed July 1, 2007.
(2) Subsection 53-3-804 (2)(g) is repealed July 1, 2007.
(3) Title 53, Chapter 12, State Olympic Public Safety Command Act, is repealed July 1,
2003.
(4) Section 53A-1-403.5 is repealed July 1, 2007.
(5) Subsection 53A-1a-511 (7)(c) is repealed July 1, 2007.
[
Section 19. Repealer.
This bill repeals:
Section 53A-1a-516, Technical support for charter schools.
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