MPS Collaborative Charter School Legislation HF1460/SF1185

This legislation writes a new section of law under which a school district authorizer could charter a school and not lose enrollment base. The proposal would rely on voluntary, mutual agreements between authorizers and charter schools or other authorizers. A number of school districts are trying more collaborative relationships with charters: this legislation supports that goal. The law does not amend current charter stature but makes a new chapter so anyone who likes their current deal experiences no changes. I worked very closely with Jon Bacall to get this draft introduced. Rep. Linda Slocum is the House sponsor along with Sandy Peterson, a former MFT president, and Representative Jim Davnie. Sen. Torres Ray is the Senate sponsor. Collaboratively chartered school kids would: Count in the authorizers pupil count Count in the authorizers academic achievement reporting. Students Graduate with an MPS charter School Diploma.

The Charter School: Retains complete autonomy. Employs, retains and dismisses their employees. May opt to accept an attendance area, transportation services, start-time. o May opt out of district attendance area transportation and start-time. Receives per pupil funding directly from MDE May contract with authorizer to provide back office services.

Corrects problem with current law architecture: Use of open enrollment as a template creates Us v. Them. o If MFT59 becomes an authorizer and charters a school then the enrollment in their authorized school drives lay-offs on the MPS side of the ledger. Transportation area and special education cross subsidy issues. Creates opportunity for charters to partner with an authorizer to bolster their vulnerabilities: o Facilities o Finances (aid payment shift shelter) o Referendum revenue

Benefit for School Districts Creates a new brand opportunity for MPS o The District Collaborative Charter School pupil is a Minneapolis Public School pupil. MPS entrance into the charter market can shape outcomes in the market place by offering inducements/advantages to those charters who wish to collaborate with MPS. o Facilities o Finances (aid payment shift shelter) o Referendum revenue Allows MPS to build a charter book of business

Long term Benefits for Charter Sector The Charter sector faces contraction due to: o New authorizer responsibilities under 2009 reforms lead to decrease in the number of authorizers and capacity of remaining authorizers. o Increase in the education aids payment shift creates dire financial consequences for charters. Neutralizes growth in lease aid o Rapid growth of lease aid is a political liability. Lease aid under this model could simply cover facility operating costs while debt service and operating capital costs are carried by the district. o Shifting facility costs to school district authorizers is far more efficient. o School boards use their facility powers for their students paid for by their taxpayers.

This link takes you to the actual bill language: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H1460.0.html&session=ls87 ** The Bill is also attached.