Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Georgia Charter Schools Commission to recommend new charter schools.

Highlights:

- Allows the commission to approve or deny charter school applications. The State Board of Education may overrule the commission's decision within 60 days if at least two-thirds of the members of the state board of education vote to overrule [sec. 2 (20-2-2083) (a)]. - Requires the commission be composed of seven members, appointed by the State Board of Education, and recommended by the Governor, President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House. Each member serves a two-year term and is required to hold a bachelor's degree [sec. 2 (20-2-2082) (b)]. - Requires petitioners for a new charter school to first seek authorization from the the local board of education before submitting an application to the commission. If approval is granted by the local board, then the petitioner is not required to seek authorization from the commission [sec. 2 (20-2-2085) (b)]. - Instructs the commission to annually review and evaluate the academic and financial performance of commission charter schools [sec. 2 (20-2-2083) (b) (5)]. - Requires the commission to create a website that provides information about accountability standards and links to commission charter schools and public education programs concerning commission charter schools throughout the state [sec. 2 (20-2-2087) (7)]. - Grants commission charter schools access to state and federal funds based on the Quality Basic Education Formula. The formula is based on the school's enrollment, profile, and student characteristics [sec. 2 (20-2-2090) (a) (1)]. - This is a substitute bill offered by the Senate Education and Youth Committee.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Georgia Charter Schools Commission to recommend new charter schools.

Highlights:

- Allows the commission to approve or deny charter school applications. The Department of Education may overrule the commission's decision within 60 days if at least two-thirds of the members of the state board of education vote to overrule [sec. 2 (20-2-2082) (a)]. - Requires the commission be composed of seven members, appointed by the State Board of Education, and recommended by the Governor, President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House. Each member serves a two-year term and is required to hold a bachelor's degree [sec. 2 (20-2-2081) (b)]. - Instructs the commission to annually review and evaluate the academic and financial performance of commission charter schools [sec. 2 (20-2-2082) (b) (5)]. - Requires the commission to create a website that provides information about accountability standards and links to schools of excellence and public education programs available in the state [sec. 2 (20-2-2089)]. - Grants commission charter schools access to state and federal funds based on enrollment and student characteristics [sec. 2 (20-2-2092)]. - This is a substitute bill sponsored by the House Education Committee.

Full Bill Text