Oklahoma Senate Bill SB700

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Charter schools; allowing certain charter school to be located where certain operated or contracted facility is located. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB700 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of charter school locations in Oklahoma. With this amendment, more charter schools could be established near facilities aimed at youth, which may impact the educational choices available to communities while supplementing operational support for schools serving at-risk populations. This bill seeks to expand the accessibility of educational institutions by allowing sponsorships from a wider range of organizations, such as technology centers and federally recognized Indian tribes.

Summary

SB700 aims to amend existing laws regarding charter schools in Oklahoma by allowing certain charter schools to be located in proximity to specific types of facilities operated or contracted for youth by the State Board of Education. This bill proposes changes to 70 O.S. 2011, Section 3-134, which regulates the establishment and operations of charter schools in the state. The bill emphasizes the oversight capabilities of the State Department of Education while clarifying the types of entities that can act as sponsors for new charter schools.

Contention

While supporters argue that SB700 will facilitate the development of charter schools in areas that require additional educational resources, opponents might raise concerns regarding the quality of education in these newly established institutions. There is a potential risk that parallels could be drawn between charter schools and inadequately regulated educational facilities, particularly if the training and evaluation processes for prospective charter sponsors are not sufficiently rigorous. Additionally, the impact on local districts and their ability to compete for students could create friction within the education system.