Amended IN Assembly April 02, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 3167Introduced by Assembly Member ODonnellFebruary 16, 2018 An act to amend Section 47604.3 of add Section 47609 to the Education Code, relating to charter schools.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 3167, as amended, ODonnell. Charter schools: inquiries. Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.Existing law, the Charter Schools Act of 1992, provides for the establishment and operation of charter schools and authorizes the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, and the State Board of Education to approve a petition for the establishment of a charter school and to act as a chartering authority.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation made for these purposes, establish the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices, as provided. The bill would authorize the Alameda County Office of Education to expend up to $30,000,000, upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, for purposes of the program. The bill would require the Alameda County Office of Education to, among other things, award grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education to be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity. The bill would require a regional lead county office of education to use its grant funds for specified activities. The bill would also require the Legislative Analysts Office, on or before December 1, 2021, to complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the program.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Alameda County Office of Education.The Charter Schools Act of 1992 requires a charter school to promptly respond to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the chartering authority, or the Superintendent of Public Instruction.This bill would require a charter school to instead respond to these inquires within 30 calendar days of receipt.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network, a project of the Alameda County Office of Education funded by a grant awarded by the United States Department of Education, established a successful model for building strong charter authorizing practices in California, with small charter authorizers in mind.(b) The strength of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network lies in the collaboration, commitment, and coordination of resources for training and support between and among the expertise of regional lead county offices of education.(c) Extending the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network funding will provide essential resources to continue the positive momentum gained to date and strengthen the ability of school districts to exercise their statutory charter school authorization and oversight responsibilities.SEC. 2. Section 47609 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 47608, to read:47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.SEC. 3. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the Alameda County Office of Educations experience and expertise operating the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.SECTION 1.Section 47604.3 of the Education Code is amended to read:47604.3.A charter school shall respond, within 30 calendar days of receipt, to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the charter schools chartering authority, or the Superintendent, and shall consult with the chartering authority, the county office of education, or the Superintendent regarding any inquiries.
Amended IN Assembly April 02, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 3167Introduced by Assembly Member ODonnellFebruary 16, 2018 An act to amend Section 47604.3 of add Section 47609 to the Education Code, relating to charter schools.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 3167, as amended, ODonnell. Charter schools: inquiries. Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.Existing law, the Charter Schools Act of 1992, provides for the establishment and operation of charter schools and authorizes the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, and the State Board of Education to approve a petition for the establishment of a charter school and to act as a chartering authority.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation made for these purposes, establish the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices, as provided. The bill would authorize the Alameda County Office of Education to expend up to $30,000,000, upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, for purposes of the program. The bill would require the Alameda County Office of Education to, among other things, award grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education to be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity. The bill would require a regional lead county office of education to use its grant funds for specified activities. The bill would also require the Legislative Analysts Office, on or before December 1, 2021, to complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the program.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Alameda County Office of Education.The Charter Schools Act of 1992 requires a charter school to promptly respond to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the chartering authority, or the Superintendent of Public Instruction.This bill would require a charter school to instead respond to these inquires within 30 calendar days of receipt.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Assembly April 02, 2018
Amended IN Assembly April 02, 2018
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 3167
Introduced by Assembly Member ODonnellFebruary 16, 2018
Introduced by Assembly Member ODonnell
February 16, 2018
An act to amend Section 47604.3 of add Section 47609 to the Education Code, relating to charter schools.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 3167, as amended, ODonnell. Charter schools: inquiries. Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.
Existing law, the Charter Schools Act of 1992, provides for the establishment and operation of charter schools and authorizes the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, and the State Board of Education to approve a petition for the establishment of a charter school and to act as a chartering authority.This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation made for these purposes, establish the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices, as provided. The bill would authorize the Alameda County Office of Education to expend up to $30,000,000, upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, for purposes of the program. The bill would require the Alameda County Office of Education to, among other things, award grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education to be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity. The bill would require a regional lead county office of education to use its grant funds for specified activities. The bill would also require the Legislative Analysts Office, on or before December 1, 2021, to complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the program.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Alameda County Office of Education.The Charter Schools Act of 1992 requires a charter school to promptly respond to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the chartering authority, or the Superintendent of Public Instruction.This bill would require a charter school to instead respond to these inquires within 30 calendar days of receipt.
Existing law, the Charter Schools Act of 1992, provides for the establishment and operation of charter schools and authorizes the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, and the State Board of Education to approve a petition for the establishment of a charter school and to act as a chartering authority.
This bill would, contingent upon an appropriation made for these purposes, establish the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices, as provided. The bill would authorize the Alameda County Office of Education to expend up to $30,000,000, upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, for purposes of the program. The bill would require the Alameda County Office of Education to, among other things, award grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education to be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity. The bill would require a regional lead county office of education to use its grant funds for specified activities. The bill would also require the Legislative Analysts Office, on or before December 1, 2021, to complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the program.
This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Alameda County Office of Education.
The Charter Schools Act of 1992 requires a charter school to promptly respond to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the chartering authority, or the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
This bill would require a charter school to instead respond to these inquires within 30 calendar days of receipt.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network, a project of the Alameda County Office of Education funded by a grant awarded by the United States Department of Education, established a successful model for building strong charter authorizing practices in California, with small charter authorizers in mind.(b) The strength of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network lies in the collaboration, commitment, and coordination of resources for training and support between and among the expertise of regional lead county offices of education.(c) Extending the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network funding will provide essential resources to continue the positive momentum gained to date and strengthen the ability of school districts to exercise their statutory charter school authorization and oversight responsibilities.SEC. 2. Section 47609 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 47608, to read:47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.SEC. 3. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the Alameda County Office of Educations experience and expertise operating the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.SECTION 1.Section 47604.3 of the Education Code is amended to read:47604.3.A charter school shall respond, within 30 calendar days of receipt, to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the charter schools chartering authority, or the Superintendent, and shall consult with the chartering authority, the county office of education, or the Superintendent regarding any inquiries.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network, a project of the Alameda County Office of Education funded by a grant awarded by the United States Department of Education, established a successful model for building strong charter authorizing practices in California, with small charter authorizers in mind.(b) The strength of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network lies in the collaboration, commitment, and coordination of resources for training and support between and among the expertise of regional lead county offices of education.(c) Extending the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network funding will provide essential resources to continue the positive momentum gained to date and strengthen the ability of school districts to exercise their statutory charter school authorization and oversight responsibilities.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network, a project of the Alameda County Office of Education funded by a grant awarded by the United States Department of Education, established a successful model for building strong charter authorizing practices in California, with small charter authorizers in mind.(b) The strength of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network lies in the collaboration, commitment, and coordination of resources for training and support between and among the expertise of regional lead county offices of education.(c) Extending the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network funding will provide essential resources to continue the positive momentum gained to date and strengthen the ability of school districts to exercise their statutory charter school authorization and oversight responsibilities.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(a) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network, a project of the Alameda County Office of Education funded by a grant awarded by the United States Department of Education, established a successful model for building strong charter authorizing practices in California, with small charter authorizers in mind.
(b) The strength of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network lies in the collaboration, commitment, and coordination of resources for training and support between and among the expertise of regional lead county offices of education.
(c) Extending the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network funding will provide essential resources to continue the positive momentum gained to date and strengthen the ability of school districts to exercise their statutory charter school authorization and oversight responsibilities.
SEC. 2. Section 47609 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 47608, to read:47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.
SEC. 2. Section 47609 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 47608, to read:
### SEC. 2.
47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.
47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.
47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.
47609. (a) (1) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program is hereby established, to be administered by the Alameda County Office of Education, as an initiative to expand uniform charter authorizing and oversight practices in California.
(2) Up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), upon appropriation from the General Fund by the Legislature, may be expended by the Alameda County Office of Education for purposes of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in accordance with this section. Funds appropriated for purposes of this section shall be expended no later than five fiscal years after the appropriation is made.
(3) The program shall expand the network of assistance and support through a regional network structure, and further develop quality fiscal, academic, and governance oversight and monitoring tools for uniform charter authorizing practices.
(b) Responsibilities of the Alameda County Office of Education shall include all of the following:
(1) Acting as the fiscal agent for the grant.
(2) Developing and implementing a selection process, in consultation with the department, to choose 11 regional lead county offices of education to receive grant awards.
(3) (A) Collaborating with leading charter authorizers and county offices of education in the development and dissemination of quality authorizing tools and best practices to ensure statewide consistency.
(B) The Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network may consult with the state board in the development of quality authorizing tools and best practices.
(4) Creating and maintaining an online database of materials that can be adapted for use by charter authorizers.
(5) Facilitating at least four meetings per year of regional lead county offices of education, and conducting an annual statewide conference for charter school authorizers.
(6) (A) Facilitating at least two meetings per year of the advisory board described in subparagraph (B) to provide input on the development and full implementation of services provided by this grant.
(B) An advisory board shall be created, to be composed of experienced professionals from county offices of education, school districts, school district governing boards, and other organizations, and one charter school representative.
(7) Providing information, as requested, to the Legislative Analysts Office for purposes of subdivision (f) to measure the programs continual improvement and program fidelity, and to document the programs impact.
(c) From the appropriation made for purposes of this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall award up to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) in total grant funds to 11 regional lead county offices of education. Allocation of grant funds for each regional lead county office of education shall be used to improve the quality of school district and county office of education charter school authorizing activity within its designated region.
(d) A regional lead county office of education shall use its allocation for the following activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Providing technical assistance and support on charter petitions and oversight to all school districts and county offices of education in the region. Technical assistance includes, among other things, any of the following:
(A) Identifying and maintaining a list of school district and county office of education personnel designated as responsible for charter authorizing activity and all charter school sites in the region. Charter authorizers shall be invited and encouraged to attend region meetings and trainings to build their knowledge and expertise.
(B) Technical assistance with the charter petition review process, including best practices for charter petition review, adherence to timelines, and memorandum of understanding development.
(C) Technical assistance with oversight, including best practices for ongoing monitoring and site reviews.
(2) Collaborating with the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network to develop templates for charter petition reviews and oversight, consistent training modules and presentations, and memorandums of understanding.
(3) Seeking input from charter school authorizers in the region to determine the type of charter authorizer training and support needed, and building the capacity of charter authorizers through training.
(4) Providing at least four in-person meetings or trainings of charter authorizing personnel in school districts and county offices of education in the region each year, in order to provide an equitable opportunity for participation in geographically diverse locations within the region.
(5) Participating in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network annual statewide conference and any other Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network statewide meetings.
(6) Providing program data to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network in improving the quality of authorizing practice.
(7) Providing outreach and financial incentives to charter authorizers that have not previously participated in Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network trainings or conferences.
(e) When awarding grants pursuant to this section, the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network shall give special consideration to all of the following:
(1) County offices of education with strong charter authorizing infrastructure already in place.
(2) County offices of education that represent 11 distinct geographic regions throughout the state.
(3) County offices of education that have previously participated in the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.
(f) On or before December 1, 2021, the Legislative Analysts Office shall complete and submit to the Governor and the appropriate education policy and budget committees of the Legislature an evaluation of the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program. The Legislative Analysts Office shall evaluate the programs effectiveness in administering training programs, outreach, and the participation of charter authorizers that have not participated in trainings and conferences during previous years, and make recommendations regarding the continuation of funding.
(g) This section shall be implemented only upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes.
SEC. 3. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the Alameda County Office of Educations experience and expertise operating the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.
SEC. 3. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the Alameda County Office of Educations experience and expertise operating the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.
SEC. 3. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the Alameda County Office of Educations experience and expertise operating the Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network.
### SEC. 3.
A charter school shall respond, within 30 calendar days of receipt, to all reasonable inquiries, including, but not limited to, inquiries regarding its financial records, from its chartering authority, the county office of education that has jurisdiction over the charter schools chartering authority, or the Superintendent, and shall consult with the chartering authority, the county office of education, or the Superintendent regarding any inquiries.