Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that adds new regulations and requirements for internet-based charter schools and creates the Online Learning Task force to manage the system and investigate the effectiveness of virtual charter schools.

Highlights:

-Adds “virtual public charter school” to the types of charter schools that may be established (Sec. 2). -Requires public charter school applicants to provide a description of their financial management system and a plan for having it in place when the school begins operating (Sec. 4). -Outlines specific additional requirements for virtual public charter schools, including parent involvement requirements, financial planning, guidelines for Internet-based technology for classes, and performance criteria (Sec. 8). -Requires the school to ensure students have access to computer equipment and an Internet connection (Sec. 8). -Outlines requirements for meetings between students and teachers as well as school sanctioned events (Sec. 8). -Requires additional paperwork that must be sent in during the annual audit of public charter schools, including a balance sheet, statements, and a copy of the audit (Sec. 11). -Notes that failure to maintain a sound financial management system for two or more years will result in termination of the charter for a public charter school (Sec. 12). -Prohibits virtual charter schools from contracting with for-profit entities if any of their employees are also employees of the school (Sec. 13) -Establishes the Online Learning Task Force to ensure appropriate access to online learning from public charter schools, outline the rules, purposes, and processes of the board, and establish the selection process for members of the board (Sec. 14). -Prohibits the addition of more students to virtual public charter schools unless it is necessary to reduce the percentage of non-district students to 50% or less, a waiver is approved, or a student wishes to attend who has a sibling who is already attending (Sec. 17). -Takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 19).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that adds new regulations and requirements for internet-based charter schools and creates the Online Learning Task force to manage the system and investigate the effectiveness of virtual charter schools.

Highlights:

-Adds “virtual public charter school” to the types of charter schools that may be established (Sec. 2). -Requires public charter school applicants to provide a description of their financial management system and a plan for having it in place when the school begins operating (Sec. 4). -Outlines specific additional requirements for virtual public charter schools, including parent involvement requirements, financial planning, guidelines for Internet-based technology for classes, and performance criteria (Sec. 8). -Requires the school to ensure students have access to computer equipment and an Internet connection (Sec. 8). -Outlines requirements for meetings between students and teachers as well as school sanctioned events (Sec. 8). -Requires additional paperwork that must be sent in during the annual audit of public charter schools, including a balance sheet, statements, and a copy of the audit (Sec. 11). -Notes that failure to maintain a sound financial management system for two or more years will result in termination of the charter for a public charter school (Sec. 12). -Prohibits virtual charter schools from contracting with for-profit entities if any of their employees are also employees of the school (Sec. 13) -Establishes the Online Learning Task Force to ensure appropriate access to online learning from public charter schools, outline the rules, purposes, and processes of the board, and establish the selection process for members of the board (Sec. 14). -Prohibits the addition of more students to virtual public charter schools unless it is necessary to reduce the percentage of non-district students to 50% or less, a waiver is approved, or a student wishes to attend who has a sibling who is already attending (Sec. 17). -Takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 19).

Full Bill Text