Signed by Governor Bob McDonnell

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the authority of the Board of Education to review charter school applications.

Highlights:

-Requires the Board of Education and all local and regional school boards to post their guidelines and procedures on their websites for all interested parties (Sec. 1). -Requires the Board of Education to determine if the application meets the approval criteria established by the Board of Education (Sec. 1). -Specifies that if a applicant is denied by the local school board, or if the board revokes or fails to renew the charter agreement, the applicant is entitled to petition the local school board for reconsideration within 60 days (Sec. 1). -Requires there be an opportunity for public comment during the aforementioned reconsideration process (Sec. 1). -Specifies that upon reconsideration, the local school board's decision shall be the final decision on the matter of the application, and is not subject to appeal (Sec. 1). -Authorizes applicants seeking reconsideration to seek technical assistance from the Superintendent of Public Instruction (Sec. 1). -Del. Eileen Filler-Corn is not listed on our vote breakdown because her vote did not accurately reflect her intention; she was recorded as voting "Yea" but intended to vote "Nay." -Del. M. Kirkland Cox, listed as not voting, intended to vote "Yea." -Del. Chris Jones, listed as not voting, intended to vote "Yea."

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the authority of the Board of Education to review charter school applications.

Highlights:

-Requires the Board of Education and all local and regional school boards to post their guidelines and procedures on their websites for all interested parties (Sec. 1). -Requires the Board of Education to determine if the application meets the approval criteria established by the Board of Education (Sec. 1). -Specifies that if a applicant is denied by the local school board, or if the board revokes or fails to renew the charter agreement, the applicant is entitled to petition the local school board for reconsideration within 60 days (Sec. 1). -Requires there be an opportunity for public comment during the aforementioned reconsideration process (Sec. 1). -Specifies that upon reconsideration, the local school board's decision shall be the final decision on the matter of the application, and is not subject to appeal (Sec. 1). -Authorizes applicants seeking reconsideration to seek technical assistance from the Superintendent of Public Instruction (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text