II.

How Charter Schools Operate

In states that allow charter schools, parents, teachers, and other groups who seek to organize a school must submit a proposal to state government officials for approval. In some regions of the country, local government officials also review the proposal. The proposal must offer a curriculum and educational philosophy distinct from those available in the public school system. It also must prove a demonstrated public demand for the intended program. Charter schools must clearly define their educational programs and methods, assessment tools, budget plans, staffing arrangements, and student recruitment strategies to qualify for public education funds. These funds are drawn from the state or local public education budget. Individual states or local school districts determine the allowable number of charter schools and the amount of public funding available for them.

Charters and operating budgets for new schools are approved by state and local officials, such as the state superintendent of instruction or members of the local school board. These officials also monitor the performance of charter schools. They can revoke a school’s charter at any time for violations of the terms or conditions of its charter. Public officials may also revoke a charter if the school’s students or teachers fail to perform satisfactorily. Performance is assessed by a variety of factors, such as student graduation rates or test scores. Like conventional public schools, charter schools cannot charge tuition and must comply with civil rights laws and federal and state health and safety standards.

Although they receive money from public education funds, charter schools may determine spending priorities without intervention from the state or local school districts. Organizers of charter schools nonetheless often consider funding a major concern. Most charter schools receive less public money per pupil than public schools. The United States Department of Education (DOE) provides funds to help finance the start-up of new charter schools. For fiscal year 1997 the DOE provided $51 million to the states for this purpose.