The implications of HB1358 on state laws center around the alteration of existing frameworks governing public education. By defining the roles and responsibilities of charter school operators, the bill restricts the licensing of charters to third-party management organizations, thus maintaining direct oversight by charter holders. Furthermore, charter schools will not receive funding from local taxes, opting instead for state aid calculated based on student enrollment, which influences financial dynamics in local education systems.
Summary
House Bill 1358 aims to establish a framework for public charter schools in North Dakota. The bill introduces provisions for the authorization and governance of charter schools, which include setting up an application process overseen by the superintendent of public instruction. This bill allows for the establishment of a limited number of charter schools: twelve for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, increasing to fifteen for the following years. The intent is to create a regulated structure that ensures accountability while promoting educational innovation.
Contention
A point of contention within the discussions surrounding HB1358 relates to the restrictive nature of the bill concerning the establishment of charter schools. Advocates argue that it provides needed oversight and prevents potential mismanagement, while critics contend that the limited number of allowable charter schools may stifle educational choices within communities. Additionally, the requirement for charter operators to demonstrate successful educational outcomes raises questions about the criteria used to evaluate school effectiveness and the potential impact on underserved populations.
School district enrollment, the definition of "probationary teacher", a school district's policy governing possession of a weapon, the definition of "dangerous weapon", modification of weighting factors, transition maximums and an increase in per student payments, and the school construction revolving loan fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide for an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.
The salary of the superintendent of public instruction, baseline funding, high-cost students, and regional library cooperative definitions; to provide for a transfer; to provide for reports; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Baseline funding and the determination of state school aid, loans from the coal development trust fund, and evidences of indebtedness; to provide an appropriation; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.