Oklahoma Senate Bill SB152

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Charter schools; removing language allowing the State Board of Education to sponsor certain charter schools. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill will affect how charter schools can be created and managed in Oklahoma, shifting the sponsorship responsibilities solely to local school districts, technology center school districts, and higher education institutions. This change could lead to increased local control over education while also imposing stricter conditions on charter school applicants. The amendment mandates that all charter school applicants complete training on the establishment process, ensuring potential sponsors are well-informed about regulatory requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 152 (SB152) seeks to amend the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act by removing language that allows the State Board of Education to sponsor certain charter schools. The bill explicitly prohibits the state board from sponsoring charter schools effective July 1, 2022, and stipulates that any charter school applicant not entering into a sponsorship contract by this date will be dissolved. This move is intended to centralize the regulatory mechanism overseeing charter schools and limit their creation under state sponsorship.

Contention

Nonetheless, the bill has encountered some contention among stakeholders. Critics argue that eliminating the state board's sponsorship authority could limit accessibility to charter schools, particularly for at-risk populations who may benefit from a broader range of public education options. Additionally, opponents fear that local districts may not have the capacity or resources to adequately support new charter schools, potentially stifacing educational innovation and variety in underserved areas.