reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.020 - Charter schools—Parameters.

RCW 28A.710.020
Charter schools—Parameters.
A charter school established under this chapter:
(1) Is a public school that is:
(a) Open to all children free of charge and by choice; and
(b) Operated separately from the common school system as an alternative to traditional common schools;
(2) May offer any program or course of study that any other public school may offer, including one or more of grades kindergarten through twelve;
(3) Is governed by a charter school board according to the terms of a renewable, five-year charter contract executed under RCW 28A.710.160;
(4) Functions as a local education agency under applicable federal laws and regulations and is responsible for meeting the requirements of local education agencies and public schools under those federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to compliance with the individuals with disabilities education improvement act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1401 et seq.), the federal educational rights and privacy act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g), the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11431 et seq.), and the elementary and secondary education act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 6301 et seq.).
[ 2016 c 241 § 102. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 202 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.050 - Admission and enrollment of students—Capacity—Specialized learning environments.

RCW 28A.710.050
Admission and enrollment of students—Capacity—Specialized learning environments.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a charter school may not limit admission on any basis other than age group, grade level, or enrollment capacity. A charter school is open to any student regardless of his or her location of residence.
(2) A charter school may not charge tuition, but may charge fees for participation in optional extracurricular events and activities in the same manner and to the same extent as do other public schools.
(3) If capacity is insufficient to enroll all students who apply to a charter school, the charter school must grant an enrollment preference to siblings of enrolled students, with any remaining enrollments allocated through a lottery. A charter school may offer, pursuant to an admissions policy approved by the authorizer, a weighted enrollment preference for at-risk students or to children of full-time employees of the school if the employees' children reside within the state.
(4) The enrollment capacity of a charter school must be determined annually by the charter school board in consultation with the authorizer and with consideration of the charter school's ability to facilitate the academic success of its students, achieve the objectives specified in the charter contract, and assure that its student enrollment does not exceed the capacity of its facility. An authorizer may not restrict the number of students a charter school may enroll.
(5) Nothing in this section prevents formation of a charter school whose mission is to offer a specialized learning environment and services for particular groups of students, such as at-risk students, students with disabilities, or students who pose such severe disciplinary problems that they warrant a specific educational program. Nothing in this section prevents formation of a charter school organized around a special emphasis, theme, or concept as stated in the school's application and charter contract.
[ 2020 c 49 § 1; 2016 c 241 § 105. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 205 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.060 - Enrollment options information—Earned credits—Participation in district-sponsored interscholastic programs.

RCW 28A.710.060
Enrollment options information—Earned credits—Participation in district-sponsored interscholastic programs.
(1) School districts must provide information to parents and the general public about charter schools located within the district as an enrollment option for students.
(2) If a student who was previously enrolled in a charter school enrolls in another public school in the state, the student's new school must accept credits earned by the student in the charter school in the same manner and according to the same criteria that credits are accepted from other public schools.
(3) A charter school may participate in state or district-sponsored interscholastic programs, awards, scholarships, or competitions to the same extent as other public schools.
[ 2016 c 241 § 106. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 206 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.080 - Charter school authorizers.

RCW 28A.710.080
Charter school authorizers.
The following entities may be authorizers of charter schools:
(1) The commission may exercise the authority granted under this section for charter schools located anywhere in the state; and
(2) A school district board of directors may exercise the authority granted under this section only after receiving approval from the state board of education under RCW 28A.710.090, and only for charter schools located within the school district's boundaries.
[ 2016 c 241 § 108. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 207 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.090 - Charter school authorizers—Approval process.

RCW 28A.710.090
Charter school authorizers—Approval process.
(1) The state board of education shall establish an annual application and approval process and timelines for school districts seeking approval to become charter school authorizers. The initial process and timelines must be established by July 1, 2016.
(2) At a minimum, each applicant district must submit to the state board of education:
(a) The applicant's strategic vision for chartering;
(b) A plan to support the vision presented, including explanation and evidence of the applicant's budget and personnel capacity and commitment to execute the responsibilities of quality charter authorizing;
(c) A draft or preliminary outline of the annual charter school application process that the applicant would, if approved as an authorizer, issue to solicit charter school applicants;
(d) A draft of the performance framework that the applicant would, if approved as an authorizer, use to guide the establishment of a charter contract and use for ongoing oversight and evaluation of charter schools;
(e) A draft of the applicant's proposed renewal, revocation, and nonrenewal processes, consistent with RCW 28A.710.190 and 28A.710.200;
(f) A statement of assurance that the applicant seeks to serve as an authorizer in fulfillment of the expectations, spirit, and intent of this chapter, and that, if approved as an authorizer, the applicant will fully participate in any authorizer training provided or required by the state; and
(g) A statement of assurance that the applicant will provide public accountability and transparency in all matters concerning charter authorizing practices, decisions, and expenditures.
(3) The state board of education shall consider the merits of each application and make its decision within the timelines established by the state board of education.
(4) Within thirty days of making a decision to approve an application under this section, the state board of education must execute a renewable authorizing contract with the applicant district. The initial term of an authorizing contract must be six years. The authorizing contract must specify each approved applicant district's agreement to serve as an authorizer in accordance with the expectations of this chapter, and may specify additional performance terms based on the applicant's proposal and plan for chartering.
(5) No approved school district may commence charter authorizing without an authorizing contract in effect.
[ 2016 c 241 § 109. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 209 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.110 - Authorizer oversight fee—Establishment—Use.

RCW 28A.710.110
Authorizer oversight fee—Establishment—Use.
(1) The state board of education shall establish a statewide formula for an authorizer oversight fee, which must be calculated as a percentage of the state operating funding distributed to charter schools under RCW 28A.710.220 to each charter school under the jurisdiction of an authorizer, but may not exceed four percent of each charter school's annual funding.
(2) The state board of education may establish a sliding scale for the authorizer oversight fee, with the funding percentage decreasing after the authorizer has achieved a certain threshold, such as after a certain number of years of authorizing or after a certain number of charter schools have been authorized.
(3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall deduct the oversight fee from each charter school's distribution under RCW 28A.710.220 and transmit the fee to the appropriate authorizer.
(4) An authorizer must use its oversight fee exclusively for the purpose of fulfilling its duties under RCW 28A.710.100.
(5) An authorizer may provide contracted, fee-based services to charter schools under its jurisdiction that are in addition to the oversight duties under RCW 28A.710.100. An authorizer may not charge more than market rates for the contracted services provided. An authorizer may not require a charter school to purchase contracted services provided by an authorizer. Fees collected by the authorizer under this subsection must be separately accounted for and reported annually to the state board of education.
[ 2016 c 241 § 111. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 211 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.140 - Charter applications—Submission—Approval or denial.

RCW 28A.710.140
Charter applications—Submission—Approval or denial.
(1) The state board of education must establish an annual statewide timeline for charter application submission and approval or denial that must be followed by all authorizers.
(2) In reviewing and evaluating charter applications, authorizers shall employ procedures, practices, and criteria consistent with nationally recognized principles and standards for quality charter authorizing. Authorizers shall give preference to applications for charter schools that are designed to enroll and serve at-risk student populations. However, nothing in this chapter may be construed as intended to limit the establishment of charter schools to those that serve a substantial portion of at-risk students, or to in any manner restrict, limit, or discourage the establishment of charter schools that enroll and serve other pupil populations under a nonexclusive, nondiscriminatory admissions policy. The application review process must include thorough evaluation of each application, an in-person interview with the applicant group, and an opportunity to learn about and provide input on each application in a public forum including, without limitation, parents, community members, local residents, and school district board members and staff.
(3) In deciding whether to approve an application, authorizers must:
(a) Grant charters only to applicants that have demonstrated competence in each element of the authorizer's published approval criteria and are likely to open, operate, and ensure the financial viability of a successful charter public school;
(b) Base decisions on documented evidence collected through the application review process;
(c) Follow charter-granting policies and practices that are transparent and based on merit; and
(d) Avoid any conflicts of interest, whether real or apparent.
(4) An approval decision may include, if appropriate, reasonable conditions that the charter applicant must meet before a charter contract may be executed.
(5) For any denial of an application, the authorizer shall clearly state in writing its reasons for denial. A denied applicant may subsequently reapply to that authorizer or apply to another authorizer in the state.
[ 2023 c 356 § 7; 2016 c 241 § 114. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 214 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 356: See note following RCW 28A.710.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.150 - Maximum number of charter public schools—Process—Certification—Lottery—Notice.

RCW 28A.710.150
Maximum number of charter public schools—Process—Certification—Lottery—Notice.
(1) A maximum of forty charter public schools may be established under this chapter over the five-year period commencing with April 3, 2016. No more than eight charter schools may be established in any year during the five-year period, except that if in any year fewer than eight charter schools are established, additional charter schools, equal in number to the difference between the number established in that year and eight, may be established in subsequent years during the five-year period.
(2)(a) To ensure compliance with the limits for establishing new charter schools, certification from the state board of education must be obtained before final authorization of a charter school.
(b) Within ten days of taking action to approve or deny an application under RCW 28A.710.140, an authorizer must submit a report of the action to the applicant and the state board of education. The report must include a copy of the authorizer's resolution setting forth the action taken, the reasons for the decision, and assurances of compliance with the procedural requirements and application elements under RCW 28A.710.130 and 28A.710.140. The authorizer must also indicate whether the charter school is designed to enroll and serve at-risk student populations. The state board of education must establish, for each year in which charter schools may be authorized as part of the timeline to be established pursuant to RCW 28A.710.140, the latest annual date by which the authorizer may submit the report. The state board of education must send to each authorizer notice of the date by which a report must be submitted at least six months before the date established by the board.
(3) Upon the receipt of notice from an authorizer that a charter school has been approved, the state board of education shall certify whether the approval is in compliance with the limits on the maximum number of charters allowed under subsection (1) of this section. If the board receives simultaneous notification of approved charters that exceed the annual allowable limits in subsection (1) of this section, the board must select approved charters for implementation through a lottery process, and must assign implementation dates accordingly.
(4) The state board of education must notify authorizers when the maximum allowable number of charter schools has been reached.
[ 2016 c 241 § 115. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 215 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.170 - Charter contracts—Performance framework.

RCW 28A.710.170
Charter contracts—Performance framework.
(1) The performance provisions within a charter contract must be based on a performance framework that clearly sets forth the academic and operational performance indicators, measures, and metrics that will guide an authorizer's evaluations of a charter school within its jurisdiction.
(2) At a minimum, the performance framework must include indicators, measures, and metrics for:
(a) Student academic proficiency;
(b) Student academic growth;
(c) Achievement gaps in both proficiency and growth between major student subgroups;
(d) Attendance;
(e) Recurrent enrollment from year to year;
(f) High school graduation rates and student postsecondary readiness;
(g) Financial performance and sustainability; and
(h) Charter school board performance and stewardship, including compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and terms of the charter contract.
(3) Annual performance targets must be set by each charter school in conjunction with its authorizer and must be designed to help each school meet applicable federal, state, and authorizer expectations.
(4) The authorizer and charter school may also include additional rigorous, valid, and reliable indicators in the performance framework to augment external evaluations of the charter school's performance.
(5) The performance framework must require the disaggregation of all student performance data by major student subgroups, including gender, race and ethnicity, poverty status, special education status, English language learner status, and highly capable status.
(6) Multiple schools operating under a single charter contract or overseen by a single charter school board must report their performance as separate schools, and each school shall be held independently accountable for its performance.
[ 2016 c 241 § 117. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 217 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.180 - Charter schools—Oversight—Corrective action.

RCW 28A.710.180
Charter schools—Oversight—Corrective action.
(1) Each authorizer must continually monitor the performance and legal compliance of the charter schools under its jurisdiction, including collecting and analyzing data to support ongoing evaluation according to the performance framework in the charter contract.
(2) An authorizer may conduct or require oversight activities that enable the authorizer to fulfill its responsibilities under this chapter, including conducting appropriate inquiries and investigations. Examples of permitted reasons for conducting or requiring oversight activities under this section include, but are not limited to: The persistent unsatisfactory performance of a charter school; a pattern of well-founded complaints about a charter school; the authority to conduct such oversight activities as provided by statute, rule, or charter contract; or other objective circumstances.
(3) In the event that a charter school's performance, financial status, or legal compliance appears unsatisfactory, the authorizer must promptly notify the school of the perceived problem and provide reasonable opportunity for the school to remedy the problem. However, if the problem warrants revocation of the charter contract, the revocation procedures under RCW 28A.710.200 apply.
(4) An authorizer may take appropriate corrective actions or exercise sanctions short of revocation in response to apparent deficiencies in charter school performance or legal compliance. These actions or sanctions may include, if warranted, requiring a school to develop and execute a corrective action plan within a specified time frame.
[ 2023 c 356 § 8; 2016 c 241 § 118. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 218 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 356: See note following RCW 28A.710.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.183 - Technical assistance.

RCW 28A.710.183
Technical assistance.
(1) Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, the commission shall promote the effective administration and operation of charter schools through the provision of technical assistance to requesting charter schools, charter school boards, or both.
(2) The principal objective of technical assistance provided in accordance with this section, which may be provided by commission staff or through a contractor, must be to support charter schools and charter school boards in achieving and maintaining compliance with the requirements of this chapter and other provisions of Title 28A RCW governing the operation of charter schools. In responding to requests for technical assistance, the commission shall prioritize the provision of assistance to charter schools that have been in operation for three or fewer school years.
(3) Technical assistance provided in accordance with this section: May only be provided at the request of the applicable charter school or charter school board; and is unrelated to, and does not affect or otherwise modify, duties of the commission in its role as an authorizer.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "technical assistance" means the provision of training, which may be provided by commission staff or through a contractor, to support charter schools and charter school boards in their responsibility to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable state and federal laws and with their charter school contract.
[ 2023 c 356 § 10.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 356: See note following RCW 28A.710.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.185 - Online system for complaints—Procedure.

RCW 28A.710.185
Online system for complaints—Procedure.
(1)(a) By November 1, 2023, the commission shall establish and maintain on its website an online system for students who attend charter schools, and the parents of those students, to submit complaints about the operation and administration of one or more charter schools, including complaints about the provision of education services and complaints alleging noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter or other provisions governing charter schools.
(b) The commission shall acknowledge the receipt of each received complaint within 10 business days and shall, in a timely manner, perform any inquiries or other actions it deems necessary and appropriate to respond to each received complaint.
(2) The commission shall adopt and revise as necessary rules to implement this section.
[ 2023 c 356 § 11.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 356: See note following RCW 28A.710.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.187 - Posting of complaint process—Designated point of contact.

RCW 28A.710.187
Posting of complaint process—Designated point of contact.
Each charter school shall prominently post and maintain on its website information about the school's process and instructions for submitting complaints about the operation and administration of the charter school by its enrolled students and their parents. This information must include a designated point of contact at the charter school and a link to the complaint system of the commission that is required by RCW 28A.710.185.
[ 2023 c 356 § 12.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 356: See note following RCW 28A.710.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.190 - Charter contracts—Renewal.

RCW 28A.710.190
Charter contracts—Renewal.
(1) A charter contract may be renewed by the authorizer, at the request of the charter school, for successive five-year terms. The authorizer, however, may vary the term based on the performance, demonstrated capacities, and particular circumstances of a charter school, and may grant renewal with specific conditions for necessary improvements to a charter school.
(2) No later than six months before the expiration of a charter contract, the authorizer must issue a performance report and charter contract renewal application guidance to the charter school. The performance report must summarize the charter school's performance record to date based on the data required by the charter contract, and must provide notice of any weaknesses or concerns perceived by the authorizer concerning the charter school that may, if not timely rectified, jeopardize its position in seeking renewal. The charter school has thirty days to respond to the performance report and submit any corrections or clarifications for the report.
(3) The renewal application guidance must, at a minimum, provide an opportunity for the charter school to:
(a) Present additional evidence, beyond the data contained in the performance report, supporting its case for charter contract renewal;
(b) Describe improvements undertaken or planned for the school; and
(c) Detail the school's plans for the next charter contract term.
(4) The renewal application guidance must include or refer explicitly to the criteria that will guide the authorizer's renewal decisions, and this criteria must be based on the performance framework set forth in the charter contract.
(5) In making charter renewal decisions, an authorizer must:
(a) Hold the charter school board accountable for: Ensuring that students of the charter school have opportunities for academic success; and exercising effective educational, operational, and financial oversight of the charter school;
(b) Base its decisions in evidence of the school's performance over the term of the charter contract in accordance with the performance framework set forth in the charter contract;
(c) Ensure that data used in making renewal decisions are available to the school and the public; and
(d) Provide a public report summarizing the evidence basis for its decision.
[ 2023 c 356 § 9; 2016 c 241 § 119. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 219 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 356: See note following RCW 28A.710.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.200 - Charter contracts—Revocation or refusal to renew.

RCW 28A.710.200
Charter contracts—Revocation or refusal to renew.
(1) An authorizer may revoke a charter contract at any time, or may refuse to renew it, if the authorizer determines that the charter school did any of the following or otherwise failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter:
(a) Committed a material and substantial violation of any of the terms, conditions, standards, or procedures required under this chapter or the charter contract;
(b) Failed to meet or make sufficient progress toward the performance expectations set forth in the charter contract;
(c) Failed to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management; or
(d) Substantially violated any material provision of law from which the charter school is not exempt.
(2) Except as provided otherwise by this subsection (2), an authorizer may not renew a charter contract if, at the time of the renewal application, the charter school's performance falls in the bottom quartile of schools on the Washington achievement index developed by the state board of education under RCW 28A.657.110. A contract may be renewed without violating this subsection (2), however, if the charter school demonstrates exceptional circumstances that the authorizer finds justifiable.
(3) Each authorizer must develop revocation and nonrenewal processes that:
(a) Provide the charter school board with a timely notification of the prospect of and reasons for revocation or nonrenewal;
(b) Allow the charter school board a reasonable amount of time in which to prepare a response;
(c) Provide the charter school board with an opportunity, at a recorded public proceeding held for that purpose, to submit documents and give testimony challenging the rationale for closure and in support of the continuation of the school;
(d) Allow the charter school board to be represented by counsel and to call witnesses on its behalf; and
(e) After a reasonable period for deliberation, require a final determination to be made and conveyed in writing to the charter school board.
(4) If an authorizer revokes or does not renew a charter contract, the authorizer must clearly state in a resolution the reasons for the revocation or nonrenewal.
(5) Within ten days of taking action to renew, not renew, or revoke a charter contract, an authorizer must submit a report of the action to the charter school and the state board of education. The report must include a copy of the authorizer's resolution setting forth the action taken, the reasons for the decision, and assurances of compliance with the procedural requirements established by the authorizer under this section.
[ 2016 c 241 § 120. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 220 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.210 - Charter school termination protocol—Dissolution of nonprofit corporation applicant—Transfer of charter contract.

RCW 28A.710.210
Charter school termination protocol—Dissolution of nonprofit corporation applicant—Transfer of charter contract.
(1) Before making a decision to not renew or to revoke a charter contract, an authorizer must develop a charter school termination protocol to ensure timely notification to parents, orderly transition of students and student records to new schools, as necessary, and proper disposition of public school funds, property, and assets. The protocol must specify tasks, timelines, and responsible parties, including delineating the respective duties of the charter school and the authorizer.
(2) If the nonprofit corporation operator of a charter school should dissolve for any reason including, without limitation, because of the termination of the charter contract, the public school funds of the charter school that have been provided pursuant to RCW 28A.710.220 must be returned to the state or local account from which the public funds originated. If the charter school has commingled the funds, the funds must be returned in proportion to the proportion of those funds received by the charter school from the public accounts in the last year preceding the dissolution. The dissolution of a nonprofit corporation shall otherwise proceed as provided by law.
(3) A charter contract may not be transferred from one authorizer to another or from one charter school to another before the expiration of the charter contract term except by petition to the state board of education by the charter school or its authorizer. The state board of education must review such petitions on a case-by-case basis and may grant transfer requests in response to special circumstances and evidence that such a transfer would serve the best interests of the charter school's students.
[ 2016 c 241 § 121. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 221 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.220 - Student enrollment reporting—Funding—Distribution and reconciling of funding in school's first year of operation.

RCW 28A.710.220
Student enrollment reporting—Funding—Distribution and reconciling of funding in school's first year of operation.
(1) Charter schools must report student enrollment in the same manner, and based on the same definitions of enrolled students and annual average full-time equivalent enrollment, as other public schools. Charter schools must comply with applicable reporting requirements to receive state or federal funding that is distributed based on student characteristics.
(2) In accordance with appropriations made under RCW 28A.710.270 and 28A.710.280, the superintendent of public instruction shall distribute state funding to charter schools according to the schedule established in RCW 28A.510.250.
(3) Amounts distributed to a charter school under RCW 28A.710.280 in the school's first year of operation must be based on the projections of first-year student enrollment established in the charter contract. The office of the superintendent of public instruction must reconcile the amounts distributed in the first year of operation to the amounts that would have been distributed based on actual student enrollment and make adjustments to the charter school's distributions over the course of the second year of operation.
(4) Any moneys received by a charter school from any source and remaining in the school's accounts at the end of a budget year must remain in the school's accounts for use by the school during subsequent budget years.
[ 2016 c 241 § 122. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 222 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.230 - Facilities—State funding for common school construction.

RCW 28A.710.230
Facilities—State funding for common school construction.
(1) Charter schools are eligible for state funding for school construction. However, such appropriations may not be made from the common school construction fund.
(2) If a school district decides to sell or lease the public school facility or property pursuant to RCW 28A.335.040 or 28A.335.120, a charter school located within the boundaries of the district has a right of first refusal to purchase or lease at fair market value a closed public school facility or property or unused portions of a public school facility or property by negotiated agreement with mutual consideration. The consideration may include the provision of educational services by the charter school.
(3) A charter school may negotiate and contract with a school district, the governing body of a public college or university, or any other public or private entity for the use of a facility for a school building at fair market rent.
(4) Public libraries, community service organizations, museums, performing arts venues, theaters, and public or private colleges and universities may provide space to charter schools within their facilities under their preexisting zoning and land use designations.
[ 2016 c 241 § 123. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 223 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.240 - Calculation of certificated instructional staff service years.

RCW 28A.710.240
Calculation of certificated instructional staff service years.
Years of service in a charter school by certificated instructional staff shall be included in the years of service calculation for purposes of the statewide salary allocation schedule under RCW 28A.150.410. This section does not require a charter school to pay a particular salary to its staff while the staff is employed by the charter school.
[ 2016 c 241 § 124. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 224 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.250 - Annual reports—Recommendation regarding additional schools.

RCW 28A.710.250
Annual reports—Recommendation regarding additional schools.
(1) By March 1st of each year beginning in the first year after there have been charter schools operating for a full school year, the state board of education, in collaboration with the commission, must issue a report on the performance of the state's charter schools during the preceding school year to the governor, the legislature, and the public at large.
(2) The annual report must be based on the reports submitted by each authorizer as well as any additional relevant data compiled by the state board of education. The report must include a comparison of the performance of charter school students with the performance of academically, ethnically, and economically comparable groups of students in other public schools. In addition, the annual report must include the state board of education's assessment of the successes, challenges, and areas for improvement in meeting the purposes of this chapter, including the board's assessment of the sufficiency of funding for charter schools, the efficacy of the formula for authorizer funding, and any suggested changes in state law or policy necessary to strengthen the state's charter schools.
(3) Together with the issuance of the annual report following the fifth year after there have been charter schools operating for a full school year, the state board of education, in collaboration with the commission, shall submit a recommendation regarding whether or not the legislature should authorize the establishment of additional charter public schools.
[ 2020 c 49 § 3; 2016 c 241 § 125. Prior: 2013 c 2 § 225 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.260 - Charter schools oversight account.

RCW 28A.710.260
Charter schools oversight account.
The charter schools oversight account is hereby created in the state treasury. All moneys received by the commission under RCW 28A.710.110 must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes of this chapter.
[ 2016 c 241 § 126. Prior: 2014 c 221 § 911.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2014 c 221: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 4, 2014]." [ 2014 c 221 § 927.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.270 - Appropriations from Washington opportunity pathways account.

RCW 28A.710.270
Appropriations from Washington opportunity pathways account.
The state legislature shall, at each regular session in an odd-numbered year, appropriate from the Washington opportunity pathways account for the current use of charter public schools amounts as determined in accordance with RCW 28A.710.280, and amounts authorized under RCW 28A.710.230(1), for state support to charter schools during the ensuing biennium.
[ 2016 c 241 § 127.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.280 - Distribution of funding—Rules.

RCW 28A.710.280
Distribution of funding—Rules.
(1) The legislature intends that state funding for charter schools be distributed equitably with state funding provided for other public schools.
(2) For eligible students enrolled in a charter school established and operating in accordance with this chapter, the superintendent of public instruction shall transmit to each charter school an amount calculated as provided in this section and based on the statewide average salaries set forth in RCW 28A.150.410 for certificated instructional staff adjusted by the regionalization factor that applies to the school district in which the charter school is geographically located, including any enrichment to those statutory formulae that is specified in the omnibus appropriations act. The amount must be the sum of (a) and (b) of this subsection.
(a) The superintendent shall, for purposes of making distributions under this section, separately calculate and distribute to charter schools moneys appropriated for general apportionment under the same ratios as in RCW 28A.150.260.
(b) The superintendent also shall, for purposes of making distributions under this section, and in accordance with the applicable formulae for categorical programs specified in (b)(i) through (v) of this subsection (2) and any enrichment to those statutory formulae that is specified in the omnibus appropriations act, separately calculate and distribute moneys appropriated by the legislature to charter schools for:
(i) Supplemental instruction and services for students who are not meeting academic standards through the learning assistance program under RCW 28A.165.005 through 28A.165.065;
(ii) Supplemental instruction and services for eligible and enrolled students and exited students whose primary language is other than English through the transitional bilingual instruction program under RCW 28A.180.010 through 28A.180.080;
(iii) The opportunity for an appropriate education at public expense as defined by RCW 28A.155.020 for all eligible students with disabilities as defined in RCW 28A.155.020;
(iv) Programs for highly capable students under RCW 28A.185.010 through 28A.185.030; and
(v) Pupil transportation services to and from school in accordance with RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180. Distributions for pupil transportation must be calculated on a per eligible student basis based on the allocation for the previous school year to the school district in which the charter school is located.
(3) The superintendent of public instruction must adopt rules necessary for the distribution of funding required by this section and to comply with federal reporting requirements.
[ 2021 c 111 § 12; 2018 c 266 § 403; 2016 c 241 § 128.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2021 c 111: See notes following RCW 28A.300.139.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.290 - Personal financial affairs statements—Commission members—Charter school board members.

RCW 28A.710.290
Personal financial affairs statements—Commission members—Charter school board members.
(1) Members of the commission must file personal financial affairs statements with the public disclosure commission.
(2) Members of a charter school board must file personal financial affairs statements with the public disclosure commission.
[ 2016 c 241 § 130.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.300 - Interschool athletic activities—Washington interscholastic activities association rules.

RCW 28A.710.300
Interschool athletic activities—Washington interscholastic activities association rules.
(1) The eligibility of a charter school student to participate in interschool athletic activities or other interschool extracurricular activities governed by the Washington interscholastic activities association is subject to rules adopted by the Washington interscholastic activities association.
(2) A proposal by a charter school to regulate the conduct of interschool athletic activities or other interschool extracurricular activities governed by the Washington interscholastic activities association is subject to rules adopted by the Washington interscholastic activities association.
(3) The charter school is responsible for the full cost, minus any student participation fee, for any student who participates in interschool athletic activities or other interschool extracurricular activities governed by the Washington interscholastic activities association.
[ 2017 c 60 § 1; 2016 c 241 § 129.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.310 - Notifications—Appeals.

RCW 28A.710.310
Notifications—Appeals.
The administrator of a charter public school governed by this chapter must comply with the notification provisions of RCW 28A.320.163 that apply to superintendents, designees of superintendents, and principals.
[ 2020 c 167 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.350 - School employees' benefits board—Insurance benefits.

RCW 28A.710.350
School employees' benefits board—Insurance benefits.
(1) A function of the school employees' benefits board established under RCW 41.05.740 is to design and approve insurance benefit plans and to establish eligibility criteria for participation in insurance benefit plans by January 1, 2020. In order for the school employees' benefits board to develop these benefit plans, charter school employees' information must be provided to the school employees' benefits board and the health care authority.
(2) Charter schools and their benefit providers must submit data to the health care authority in accordance with RCW 41.05.075(3).
(3) Any benefit provider offering a benefit plan by contract or agreement with a charter school must make available to the charter school the benefit plan descriptions and, where available, the demographic information on plan subscribers that the charter school and benefit providers are required to report to the health care authority under this section.
(4) Each charter school must:
(a) Carry out all actions required by the school employees' benefits board and the health care authority under chapter 41.05 RCW including, but not limited to, those actions necessary for the operation of benefit plans, education of employees, claims administration, and appeals process; and
(b) Report all data relating to employees eligible to participate in benefits or plans administered by the school employees' benefits board and the health care authority in a format designed and communicated by the school employees' benefits board and the health care authority.
[ 2018 c 260 § 24.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.355 - School safety and security staff.

RCW 28A.710.355
School safety and security staff.
RCW 28A.320.1241, 28A.400.345, 28A.320.1242, and 28A.320.124 govern school operation and management under RCW 28A.710.040 and apply to charter schools established under this chapter.
[ 2021 c 38 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2021 c 38: See note following RCW 28A.400.345.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.360 - Professional development.

RCW 28A.710.360
Professional development.
RCW 28A.343.100 and 28A.415.445 govern school operation and management under RCW 28A.710.040 and apply to charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW [this chapter].
[ 2021 c 197 § 9.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2021 c 197: See note following RCW 28A.415.443.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.370 - Student transportation allocation—Additional uses under emergency.

RCW 28A.710.370
Student transportation allocation—Additional uses under emergency.
RCW 28A.160.185 governs school operation and management under RCW 28A.710.040 and applies to charter schools established under this chapter.
[ 2021 c 234 § 4.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—2021 c 234: See notes following RCW 28A.160.185.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.380 - Office of the education ombuds—Notification.

RCW 28A.710.380
Office of the education ombuds—Notification.
RCW 28A.600.510 (1) and (2), related to provision of information about the office of the education ombuds, governs school operation and management under RCW 28A.710.040 and apply to charter schools established under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 222 § 4.]
NOTES:
Intent—2022 c 222: See note following RCW 28A.600.510.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.390 - Arts instruction.

RCW 28A.710.390
Arts instruction.
RCW 28A.230.305, related to arts instruction, governs school operation and management under RCW 28A.710.040 and applies to charter schools with more than 200 enrolled students established under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 250 § 4.]
NOTES:
Intent—2022 c 250: See note following RCW 28A.230.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.400 - Language access program.

RCW 28A.710.400
Language access program.
RCW 28A.183.040 and 28A.183.050 govern school operation and management under RCW 28A.710.040 and apply to charter schools established under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 107 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 107: See note following RCW 28A.183.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 28A - Common School Provisions › Chapter 28A.710 - Charter Schools. › 28A.710.901 - Effective date—2016 c 241.

RCW 28A.710.901
Effective date—2016 c 241.
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 3, 2016].
[ 2016 c 241 § 302.]