The NC General Assembly kicked off its 2014 Short Session (adjournment goal of July 4th is reasonable) with bill introductions that are relevant:
· HB 1041 (Howard) and SB 754 (Hartsell) – Charter School Preliminary Approval Process. This is a recommendation of the Administrative Procedures Oversight Committee and has been introduced in each chamber by that chamber’s co-chair. It would allow local boards of education as well as constituent institutions of UNC to grant preliminary approvals to charters. Final approval must come from the State Board of Education. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H1041v1.pdf
· HB 1042 (Howard) and SB 752 (Hartsell) – Clarify Charter Application Process. This is a recommendation of the Administrative Procedures Oversight Committee and has been introduced in each chamber by that chamber’s co-chair. It appears to be the bill that Senator Tillman has also been working on. This contains language to offer a “fast-track” approval for replicated charters. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H1042v1.pdf
· HB 1084 (Insko and Glazier) – Charter Schools/EIPs/New Accountability Standard. This bill would stipulate that charter schools with a high percentage of special needs students would have a new accountability standard. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H1084v0.pdf
· HB 1085 (Insko and Glazier) – Increase Charter School Accountability. This bill would increase accountability of charter schools to DPI and would appropriate funds for two new positions; it would require criminal background checks of the initial Boards of Directors; names the Board of Directors as having control of the school and the charter; requires a site visit to school by DPI; provides remediation requirements for charters not meeting standards, and other provisions. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H1085v0.pdf
· HB 1107 (Holloway) – Restore Lottery for School Construction. Increases percentage of lottery funds for School Building Construction Fund. This bill is eligible for introduction because it impacts the state budget. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H1107v0.pdf
· SB 787 (Apodaca) – Teacher Funds Must be 51% of Budget. Requires that 51% of state appropriations for schools be used for funding teachers. This bill is eligible for introduction because it impacts the state budget. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/Senate/PDF/S787v0.pdf
