California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1224

Introduced
2/17/17  
Introduced
2/17/17  
Refer
3/9/17  
Refer
3/9/17  
Report Pass
4/18/17  
Report Pass
4/18/17  
Refer
4/19/17  
Refer
4/19/17  
Report Pass
1/3/18  
Report Pass
1/3/18  
Refer
1/4/18  
Failed
2/1/18  

Caption

Charter schools: chartering authorities: foundational principles.

Impact

The passage of AB 1224 would amend the existing Charter Schools Act of 1992, enhancing the governance structure for charter schools in California. It emphasizes foundational principles such as transparency, ethical governance, and accountability. The bill requires participating chartering authorities to operate with the least restrictive monitoring while ensuring high performance and equitable access for all students. Additionally, it mandates the state to reimburse local agencies for costs mandated by the state, potentially affecting local school districts' budgets and operations.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1224, introduced by Assembly Member Weber, focuses on the establishment of the Chartering Authority Pilot Program. This legislation allows the state board to select up to three county boards of education, which have shown competence in authorizing and overseeing charter schools, to authorize an additional five charter schools each. This program aims to consolidate the authorization of charter schools under specific authorities, granting nonprofit public benefit corporations the ability to request that their schools be managed by a single chartering authority. As part of maintaining oversight, the state board is tasked with conducting annual evaluations of the participating authorities and reporting their performance to the legislature.

Sentiment

General sentiment around AB 1224 appears to be mixed, with supporters praising its potential to streamline charter school governance and enhance accountability. Proponents argue that it allows for greater educational flexibility and better resource management. Conversely, critics may express concerns over centralization of power within the state board, fearing that it could undermine local autonomy and responsiveness to community-specific educational needs. The debate around the bill revolves around balancing oversight with the need for independent charter school operations.

Contention

Key points of contention involve how the pilot program aligns with existing laws governing local educational agencies and the autonomy of charter schools. While the bill intends to provide clarity and support for charter schools, some stakeholders may view it as limiting local authority to address unique community educational issues. Additionally, the restrictions placed on county boards concerning the geographic operational areas of charter schools could spark debates about access and fairness in educational opportunities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB533

Charter schools: establishment of a charter school.

CA SB1380

Charter schools: establishment.

CA AB1604

Charter schools: school facilities: Charter School Facility Grant Program: conduit financing.

CA SB426

Charter schools: flex-based instruction.

CA AB2254

Charter schools: renewal criteria.

CA AB1299

School safety: school resource officers: school police officers: school safety plans.

CA AB2887

School safety plans: medical emergency procedures.

CA SB810

Charter schools: at-promise charter schools.

CA SB1477

School accountability: independent study, educational enrichment activities, oversight, and audit requirements.

CA SB671

School safety plans: dangerous, violent, or unlawful activities.

Similar Bills

CA SB1216

Charter schools.

CA SB808

Charter schools: chartering authorities and approvals.

CA AB1316

School accountability: financial and performance audits: charter schools: contracts.

CA SB806

Charter schools: operation: for-profit entities.

CA AB967

Local control and accountability plans.

CA AB84

School accountability: Office of the Education Inspector General: school financial and performance audits: charter school authorization, oversight, funding, operations, networks, and contracting: data systems: local educational agency contractor background checks.

CA AB3167

Charter schools: Charter Authorizers Regional Support Network Program.

CA SB1362

Charter schools: petitions:chartering authority duties:oversight costs: Legislative Analyst Report.