2011 has been a significant year for charter school policy across the
country.
At long last, Maine enacted a charter school law, becoming the 42nd
jurisdiction that allows this innovative public school option.
Ten states lifted their caps on charter school growth (either partially or
entirely). Most notably, North Carolina eliminated its cap of 100 charter
schools, Michigan phased out its cap on the number of charter schools that can
be approved by public universities, and Indiana and Wisconsin removed their
limits on virtual charter school enrollment.
Seven states strengthened their authorizing environments. Most significantly,
four states created new statewide charter boards (Illinois, Indiana, Maine, and
Nevada), while New Mexico and Rhode Island passed major quality control measures
setting the stage for the future growth of high-quality public charter schools
in these states.
Ten states improved their support for charter school funding and facilities.
Of particular note, Indiana enacted legislation that creates a charter school
facilities assistance program to make grants and loans to charter schools,
appropriates $17 million to this program, and requires school districts to make
vacant space available to public charter schools to lease for $1 a year or to
buy for $1. Also, Texas enacted a law that allows state-authorized charter
schools that have an investment grade rating and meet certain financial criteria
to apply to have their bonds guaranteed by the Permanent School Fund.
As of this writing, there were bills with major charter school improvements
pending in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In addition, we expect to
see big pushes for strong legislation in several other states in 2012.
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