The State Board for Charter Schools elects its own officers, has members who serve without compensation, exercises general supervision over charter schools, and grants charter school status to qualifying applicants. An applicant may apply for a charter either to the local school district in which the charter school will be located, to the State Board of Education, or to State Board for Charter Schools. The local school district has no legal authority over or responsibility for a charter school sponsored by either of the state boards. Charter schools are exempt from all state statutes except federal, state, and local regulations and statutes relating to health, safety, and civil rights. Each charter school must have its own governing body which is responsible for policy and operational decisions.
Charters are effective for five years from the first day of operation.
Charter schools are reauthorized only if they meet the goals and provisions stated in the charter application. So there is a great deal of accountability both to the parents who choose to send their children to the charter school and to the state. Charter schools must adhere to admission requirements that include enrolling all eligible pupils who submit a timely application. If the number of applications exceed capacity, the charter school will select pupils either on a first come, first served basis, or by lot. The charter schools receive per pupil expenditures equal to the average cost per pupil for the district including transportation support and other special funding.