FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024
ATLANTA—The Georgia General Assembly delivered a crucial bi-partisan victory for public charter schools on Tuesday, Feb. 6. State representatives gave final passage to House Bill 318 with a vote of 147-10. The legislative win comes after the measure received overwhelming support from Georgia senators, who voted 50-3 during the 2023 legislative session. HB 318 increases transparency, improves oversight of Georgia’s charter schools and authorizers, protects charter school autonomy, and ensures public charter schools receive the funding to which they are entitled under state law.
The Georgia Charter Schools Association wants to thank Rep. Scott Hilton, HB 318 sponsor; Sen. Shelly Echols, District 49, Senate sponsor; House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones; Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns for their leadership and efforts to provide Georgia’s public charter school students with high-quality and equitable educational opportunities. We’re also grateful to the bipartisan group of lawmakers who passed this key bill for public charter schools.
“This is a major win for Georgia’s public charter schools and the more than 60,000 children they serve,” said Tony Roberts, President and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. “HB 318 ensures that state and local charter schools will get the attention and support they need from the state. It will also clarify expectations for authorizers so they can perform well on Georgia’s charter school authorizer standards.”
The Georgia General Assembly approved the following changes to state law under HB 318.
HB 318 shifts the existing Office of Charter School Compliance out of the Georgia Department of Education and into the State Charter Schools Commission.
The bill’s provisions consolidate charter school oversight responsibilities within a single state agency. This ensures the State Board of Education receives timely communications when issues arise between charter schools and district authorizers and affords local school districts enhanced supports related to their performance on the SBOE approved authorizer standards.
HB 318 clarifies the allowable uses of ‘letters of assurance’ issued by charter school authorizers.
The bill’s provisions establish that authorizer-issued letters of assurance (LOAs) are not part of the charter contract or an addendum to the charter contract, and letters of assurance cannot supersede the charter contract or any other aspect of state and/or federal law. Also, charter schools will now have a minimum of 30 days to review LOAs before signing them.
HB 318 increases financial transparency related to charter school funding and operation.
The bill’s provisions require charter school authorizers to itemize and value the services provided in exchange for the administrative withhold fee collected from charter schools and ensures charter schools are funded based on actual student enrollment.
Additionally, the bill clarifies that charter schools may exceed a stated enrollment cap by up to 2% without being in breach of the charter contract.
House Bill 318 now heads to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for approval.
About Georgia Charter Schools Association
The Georgia Charter Schools Association is a nonprofit membership organization for Georgia’s public charter schools and petitioners. Our mission is to support, foster and advocate for the development of high-quality public charter schools and networks that improve opportunities for Georgia students. We believe every child in Georgia should have equal access to a quality and transformative public education.
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