Alabama Senate Bill SB297

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/23
• Refer: 5/4/23
• Report Pass: 5/10/23

Caption

Relating to the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act; to amend Sections 16-6F-5, 16-6F-6, and 16-6F-10, Code of Alabama 1975, to change the appointment process for the Alabama Public Charter School Commission; to authorize the commission to hire staff; to require commissioners to receive annual training; to provide additional guidelines for the authorizing and application review process; to provide further for the operational and categorical funding of public charter schools in their first year of operation; and to clarify the per pupil federal, state, and local funding of conversion public charter schools during their first year of operation.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance the operational efficiency and oversight of public charter schools in Alabama. By clarifying the funding mechanisms for charter schools, particularly in their first year of operation, it ensures that both start-up and conversion schools receive proper allocations based on their student populations. The adjustments in funding will provide equal financial resources for conversion public charter schools, matching the previous funding levels from local education agencies, which is expected to facilitate better educational outcomes.

Summary

SB297 modifies the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act, focusing on the procedural and funding aspects of public charter schools. It amends existing sections of the Alabama Code to streamline the governance of charter schools, specifically altering how members of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission are appointed, authorizing the commission to hire staff, and mandating annual training for commissioners. The bill also introduces detailed guidelines for the review and authorization process for charter schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB297 may involve the balance of power between local school boards and the state commission regarding the establishment of new charter schools. Concerns could be raised about the effectiveness of the commission's authority to override local decisions and potentially a perceived lack of local control in educational governance. Furthermore, the impact of the bill on the fiscal resources of local public schools and the prioritization of educational opportunities for at-risk students are likely to be debated among stakeholders.