Reprinted
April 9, 2013
ENGROSSED
HOUSE BILL No. 1338
_____
DIGEST OF HB 1338
(Updated April 8, 2013 6:56 pm - DI 71)
Citations Affected: IC 5-2; IC 5-11; IC 5-14; IC 20-24; IC 20-39.
Synopsis: Charter school administration. Provides that a charter school
is eligible to receive a school safety grant. Provides that a charter
school will be able to use certain electronic meeting procedures.
Changes references to "sponsor" with "authorizer" in the charter school
law. Adds definition of "education service provider". Adds certain
requirements to be contained in a proposal to establish a charter school
pertaining to education service providers. Adds various charter renewal
requirements. Provides that a charter contract may consist of more than
one charter school. Requires an authorizer to develop a charter school
closure protocol. Provides that a public audit of a charter school or
(Continued next page)
Effective: Upon passage; July 1, 2013; January 1, 2014.
Behning
(SENATE SPONSOR _ KRUSE)
January 17, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on Education.
February 7, 2013, amended, reported _ Do Pass. Referred to Committee on Ways and
Means pursuant to Rule 127.
February 18, 2013, amended, reported _ Do Pass.
February 20, 2013, read second time, amended, ordered engrossed.
February 21, 2013, engrossed.
February 25, 2013, read third time, passed. Yeas 66, nays 30.
SENATE ACTION
February 27, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on Education and Career
Development.
March 28, 2013, amended, reported favorably _ Do Pass; reassigned to Committee on
Appropriations.
April 4, 2013, amended, reported favorably _ Do Pass.
April 8, 2013, read second time, amended, ordered engrossed.
Digest Continued
organizer of a charter school is limited to the use of the public money
received by the organizer of a charter school or the charter school.
Provides for the release to a charter school authorizer of certain
covered records that are in the possession of the department of
education (department) or the state board of education (state board) and
concern a charter school. Requires that the state pay directly to a
charter school any federal or state aid attributable to a student with a
disability attending the charter school. Repeals a provision that requires
the city-county council of Indianapolis to approve a charter school
authorized by the mayor of Indianapolis. Establishes the Indianapolis
charter school board. Repeals a provision that provides a governing
body must obtain approval from the department before granting a
charter in which more than 50% of the students in the school
corporation will attend the charter school. Requires the department,
with the approval of the state board, to submit an annual report to the
budget committee pertaining to virtual charter schools. Provides that
if an organizer of a charter school maintains an Internet web site for a
charter school, the organizer shall publish the names of the charter
school's governing body on the Internet web site. (Current law requires
an organizer to publish the names of the governing body on the charter
school's Internet web site.) Requires charter school organizers to adopt
and accurately implement a single, unified accounting system for
charter school organizers as prescribed by the state board and the state
board of accounts. Repeals a provision pertaining to accounting and
financial reporting of charter schools. Provides that a member of the
state charter board may not be removed before the end of the member's
full term by the member's appointing authority without cause. Provides
that the state charter board must collectively possess strong experience
and expertise in certain areas. Provides that the department's Internet
web site must include a charter school annual report. Requires an
authorizer to adopt national industry standards of quality charter school
authorizing. Provides that a charter school agreement must include a
requirement that a charter school not remain in the lowest category or
designation of school improvement in the third year after initial
placement in the lowest category or designation. Requires the state
board to provide an authorizer a hearing if the authorizer fails to close
a charter school that does not meet the minimum standards in the
charter agreement. Provides that the state board, after providing a
hearing, may close the charter school at the end of the school year.
(Current law provides that the charter school may be closed on a date
set by the state board.) Provides that the state board, after providing a
hearing, may reduce the administrative fees that an authorizer may
receive. (Current law provides that the administrative fees may be
reduced by up to 50% of the amount of the administrative fees.)
Provides that if an authorizer does not correct deficiencies that prohibit
an authorizer from opening new charter schools, the state board may,
with a 2/3 vote, decommission the authorizer. Provides that the
decommissioned authorizer's charter schools have 150 days to apply for
approval from the state charter board. Provides for the voluntary
relinquishment of authorizer status. Provides that a virtual charter
school is eligible to receive new charter school startup grants. Makes
conforming amendments.
Reprinted
April 9, 2013
First Regular Session 118th General Assembly (2013)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type,
additions will appear in
this style type, and deletions will appear in
this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional
provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in
this style type. Also, the
word
NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds
a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in
this style type or
this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
ENGROSSED
HOUSE BILL No. 1338
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
education.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SOURCE: IC 5-2-10.1-6; (13)EH1338.3.1. -->
SECTION 1. IC 5-2-10.1-6 IS AMENDED TO READ AS
FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 6. (a) A school
corporation or charter school (as defined in IC 20-24-1-4) may
receive a grant from the fund for programs, equipment, services, or
activities included in a safety plan submitted with the application for
funds to the institute.
(b) A safety plan submitted under this section must include
provisions for zero (0) tolerance for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and
weapons on school property. If the institute approves the safety plan
and application, the treasurer of state shall disburse from the fund to
the applicant the amount of the grant certified to the treasurer of state
by the institute.
SOURCE: IC 5-2-10.1-7; (13)EH1338.3.2. -->
SECTION 2. IC 5-2-10.1-7 IS AMENDED TO READ AS
FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 7. (a) As used in this
section, "program" refers to a school safe haven program.
(b) A school corporation or charter school (as defined in
IC 20-24-1-4) may apply to the institute for a grant for matching funds
under this chapter to establish and operate a school safe haven
program.
(c) A program must include at least the following components:
(1) The school must be open to students of the school before and
after normal operating hours, preferably from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., on
days determined by the school corporation.
(2) The program must operate according to a plan to do the
following in the school:
(A) Reduce alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse.
(B) Reduce violent behavior.
(C) Promote educational progress.
(d) The institute shall adopt rules to administer the program,
including rules concerning evaluations by school corporations on the
use and impact of grant money received through the program.
SOURCE: IC 5-11-1-9; (13)EH1338.3.3. -->
SECTION 3. IC 5-11-1-9, AS AMENDED BY P.L.172-2011,
SECTION 12, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 9. (a) The state examiner, personally or
through the deputy examiners, field examiners, or private examiners,
shall examine all accounts and all financial affairs of every public
office and officer, state office, state institution, and entity.
(b) An examination of an entity deriving:
(1) less than fifty percent (50%); or
(2)
subject to subsection (h), at least fifty percent (50%) but less
than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) if the entity is
organized as a not-for-profit corporation;
of its disbursements during the period of time subject to an
examination from appropriations, public funds, taxes, and other sources
of public expense shall be limited to matters relevant to the use of the
public money received by the entity.
(c) The examination of an entity described in subsection (b) may be
waived or deferred by the state examiner if the state examiner
determines in writing that all disbursements of public money during the
period subject to examination were made for the purposes for which the
money was received. However, the:
(1) Indiana economic development corporation created by
IC 5-28-3 and the corporation's funds, accounts, and financial
affairs; and
(2) department of financial institutions established by
IC 28-11-1-1 and the department's funds, accounts, and financial
affairs;
shall be examined biennially by the state board of accounts.
(d) On every examination under this section, inquiry shall be made
as to the following:
(1) The financial condition and resources of each municipality,
office, institution, or entity.
(2) Whether the laws of the state and the uniform compliance
guidelines of the state board of accounts established under section
24 of this chapter have been complied with.
(3) The methods and accuracy of the accounts and reports of the
person examined.
The examinations shall be made without notice.
(e) If during an examination of a state office under this chapter the
examiner encounters an inefficiency in the operation of the state office,
the examiner may comment on the inefficiency in the examiner's report.
(f) The state examiner, deputy examiners, any field examiner, or any
private examiner, when engaged in making any examination or when
engaged in any official duty devolved upon them by the state examiner,
is entitled to do the following:
(1) Enter into any state, county, city, township, or other public
office in this state, or any entity, agency, or instrumentality, and
examine any books, papers, documents, or electronically stored
information for the purpose of making an examination.
(2) Have access, in the presence of the custodian or the
custodian's deputy, to the cash drawers and cash in the custody of
the officer.
(3) During business hours, examine the public accounts in any
depository that has public funds in its custody pursuant to the
laws of this state.
(g) The state examiner, deputy examiner, or any field examiner,
when engaged in making any examination authorized by law, may issue
subpoenas for witnesses to appear before the examiner in person or to
produce books, papers, or other records (including records stored in
electronic data processing systems) for inspection and examination.
The state examiner, deputy examiner, and any field examiner may
administer oaths and examine witnesses under oath orally or by
interrogatories concerning the matters under investigation and
examination. Under the authority of the state examiner, the oral
examinations may be transcribed with the reasonable expense paid by
the examined person in the same manner as the compensation of the
field examiner is paid. The subpoenas shall be served by any person
authorized to serve civil process from any court in this state. If a
witness duly subpoenaed refuses to attend, refuses to produce
information required in the subpoena, or attends and refuses to be
sworn or affirmed, or to testify when called upon to do so, the examiner
may apply to the circuit court having jurisdiction of the witness for the
enforcement of attendance and answers to questions as provided by the
law governing the taking of depositions.
(h) This subsection applies to audited years beginning after June
30, 2009. The definitions in IC 20-24-1 apply throughout this
subsection. Appropriations, public funds, taxes, and other sources
of public money received by a nonprofit corporation as a charter
school or organizer of a charter school for the purposes of a
charter school may not be counted for the purpose of applying
subsection (b)(2). Unless the nonprofit corporation receives other
public money that would qualify the nonprofit corporation for a
full examination of all accounts and financial affairs of the entity
under subsection (b)(2), an examination of a charter school or
organizer of a charter school must be limited to matters relevant
to the use of the public money received for the charter school. This
subsection does not prohibit the state examiner, personally or
through the deputy examiners, field examiners, or private
examiners, from examining the accounts in which appropriations,
public funds, taxes, or other sources of public money are applied
that are received by a nonprofit corporation as a charter school or
organizer of a charter school relating to the operation of the
charter school.
SOURCE: IC 5-14-1.5-3.6; (13)EH1338.3.4. -->
SECTION 4. IC 5-14-1.5-3.6, AS AMENDED BY HEA 1052-2013,
SECTION 1, and SEA 532-2013, SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 3.6. (a) This
section applies only to a governing body of
a charter school (as
defined in IC 20-24-1-4) and a public agency of the state, including
a body corporate and politic established as an instrumentality of the
state.
(b) A member of the governing body of a
charter school or public
agency who is not physically present at a meeting of the governing
body may participate in a meeting of the governing body by electronic
communication only if the member uses a means of communication
that permits:
(1) the member;
(2) all other members participating in the meeting;
(3) all members of the public physically present at the place
where the meeting is conducted; and
(4) if the meeting is conducted under a policy adopted under
subsection (g)(7), all members of the public physically present at
a public location at which a member participates by means of
electronic communication;
to simultaneously communicate with each other during the meeting.
(c) The governing body must fulfill both of the following
requirements for a member of the governing body to participate in a
meeting by electronic communication:
(1) This subdivision does not apply to committees appointed by
a board of trustees of a state educational institution, or by the
commission for higher education, or by the board of directors of
the Indiana secondary market for education loans, as established,
incorporated, and designated under IC 21-16-5-1. The minimum
number of members who must be physically present at the place
where the meeting is conducted must be the greater of:
(A) two (2) of the members; or
(B) one-third (1/3) of the members.
(2) All votes of the governing body during the electronic meeting
must be taken by roll call vote.
Nothing in this section affects the public's right under this chapter to
attend a meeting of the governing body at the place where the meeting
is conducted and the minimum number of members is physically
present as provided for in subdivision (1).
(d) Each member of the governing body is required to physically
attend at least one (1) meeting of the governing body annually.
(e) Unless a policy adopted by a governing body under subsection
(g) provides otherwise, a member who participates in a meeting by
electronic communication:
(1) is considered to be present at the meeting;
(2) shall be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum; and
(3) may vote at the meeting.
(f) A governing body may not conduct meetings using a means of
electronic communication until the governing body:
(1) meets all requirements of this chapter; and
(2) by a favorable vote of a majority of the members of the
governing body, adopts a policy under subsection (g) governing
participation in meetings of the governing body by electronic
communication.
(g) A policy adopted by a governing body to govern participation in
the governing body's meetings by electronic communication may do
any of the following:
(1) Require a member to request authorization to participate in a
meeting of the governing body by electronic communication
within a certain number of days before the meeting to allow for
arrangements to be made for the member's participation by
electronic communication.
(2) Subject to subsection (e), limit the number of members who
may participate in any one (1) meeting by electronic
communication.
(3) Limit the total number of meetings that the governing body
may conduct in a calendar year by electronic communication.
(4) Limit the number of meetings in a calendar year in which any
one (1) member of the governing body may participate by
electronic communication.
(5) Provide that a member who participates in a meeting by
electronic communication may not cast the deciding vote on any
official action.
(6) Require a member participating in a meeting by electronic
communication to confirm in writing the votes cast by the
member during the meeting within a certain number of days after
the date of the meeting.
(7) Provide that in addition to the location where a meeting is
conducted, the public may also attend some or all meetings of the
governing body, excluding executive sessions, at a public place
or public places at which a member is physically present and
participates by electronic communication. If the governing body's
policy includes this provision, a meeting notice must provide the
following information:
(A) The identity of each member who will be physically
present at a public place and participate in the meeting by
electronic communication.
(B) The address and telephone number of each public place
where a member will be physically present and participate by
electronic communication.
(C) Unless the meeting is an executive session, a statement
that a location described in clause (B) will be open and
accessible to the public.
(8) Require at least a quorum of members to be physically present
at the location where the meeting is conducted.
(9) Provide that a member participating by electronic
communication may vote on official action only if, subject to
subsection (e), a specified number of members:
(A) are physically present at the location where the meeting is
conducted; and
(B) concur in the official action.
(10) Establish any other procedures, limitations, or conditions that
govern participation in meetings of the governing body by
electronic communication and are not in conflict with this
chapter.
(h) The policy adopted by the governing body must be posted on the
Internet web site of the governing body, the charter school, or the
public agency.
(i) Nothing in this section affects a public agency's or charter
school's right to exclude the public from an executive session in which
a member participates by electronic communication.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-1-2.5; (13)EH1338.3.5. -->
SECTION 5. IC 20-24-1-2.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2013]: Sec. 2.5. "Authorizer" means, for a charter school, one (1)
of the following:
(1) A governing body.
(2) A state educational institution that offers a four (4) year
baccalaureate degree.
(3) The executive (as defined in IC 36-1-2-5) of a consolidated
city.
(4) The charter board.
(5) A nonprofit college or university that provides a four (4)
year educational program for which it awards a
baccalaureate or more advanced degree, including the
following:
Anderson University
Bethel College
Butler University
Calumet College of St. Joseph
DePauw University
Earlham College
Franklin College
Goshen College
Grace College
Hanover College
Holy Cross College
Huntington University
Indiana Tech
Indiana Wesleyan University
Manchester College
Marian University
Martin University
Oakland City University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Saint Joseph's College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary's College
Taylor University
Trine University
University of Evansville
University of Indianapolis
University of Notre Dame
University of Saint Francis
Valparaiso University
Wabash College.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-1-3; (13)EH1338.3.6. -->
SECTION 6. IC 20-24-1-3, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005, SECTION
8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2013]: Sec. 3. "Charter" means a contract between an organizer and a
sponsor an authorizer for the establishment of a charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-1-9; (13)EH1338.3.7. -->
SECTION 7. IC 20-24-1-9 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2013]. Sec. 9. "Sponsor" means, for a charter school, one (1) of the
following:
(1) A governing body.
(2) A state educational institution that offers a four (4) year
baccalaureate degree.
(3) The executive (as defined in IC 36-1-2-5) of a consolidated
city.
(4) The charter board.
(5) A nonprofit college or university that provides a four (4) year
educational program for which it awards a baccalaureate or more
advanced degree, including the following:
Anderson University
Bethel College
Butler University
Calumet College of St. Joseph
DePauw University
Earlham College
Franklin College
Goshen College
Grace College
Hanover College
Holy Cross College
Huntington University
Indiana Tech
Indiana Wesleyan University
Manchester College
Marian University
Martin University
Oakland City University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Saint Joseph's College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary's College
Taylor University
Trine University
University of Evansville
University of Indianapolis
University of Notre Dame
University of Saint Francis
Valparaiso University
Wabash College.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-1-6.1; (13)EH1338.3.8. -->
SECTION 8. IC 20-24-1-6.1 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2013]: Sec. 6.1. "Education service provider" means a for profit
education management organization, nonprofit charter
management organization, school design provider, or any other
partner entity with which a charter school intends to contract for
educational design, implementation, or comprehensive
management.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.1-1; (13)EH1338.3.9. -->
SECTION 9. IC 20-24-2.1-1, AS ADDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 7, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. (a) The Indiana charter school board is
established for the purpose of
sponsoring authorizing charter schools
throughout Indiana.
(b) The charter board is a statewide charter school
sponsor
authorizer composed of the following seven (7) members appointed
to four (4) year terms:
(1) Two (2) members, who may not be members of the same
political party, appointed by the governor.
(2) One member who has previous experience with or on behalf
of charter schools appointed by the state superintendent.
(3) Four (4) members, who may not be legislators, appointed as
follows:
(A) One (1) member appointed by the president pro tempore
of the senate.
(B) One (1) member appointed by the minority leader of the
senate.
(C) One (1) member appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives.
(D) One (1) member appointed by the minority leader of the
house of representatives.
A member appointed under this subsection may not be removed by
the member's appointing authority without cause before the end of
the full four (4) year term.
(c) The governor shall appoint the chairperson of the charter board.
(d) A majority of the members appointed to the charter board
constitutes a quorum. The affirmative votes of a majority of the voting
members appointed to the charter board are required for the charter
board to take action.
(e) Each member of the charter board who is not a state employee
is entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). The member is also entitled to reimbursement for
traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses
actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided
in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency.
(f) Members appointed to the charter board must collectively
possess strong experience and expertise in:
(1) public and nonprofit governance;
(2) management;
(3) finance;
(4) public school leadership;
(5) higher education;
(6) school assessments, curriculum, and instruction; and
(7) public education law.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.1-2; (13)EH1338.3.10. -->
SECTION 10. IC 20-24-2.1-2, AS ADDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 7, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 2. The charter board, with assistance from the
department, shall:
(1) establish a process to:
(A) review a proposal to establish a charter school under
IC 20-24-3-4;
(B) make a decision on the proposal as required under
IC 20-24-3-9; and
(C) monitor charter schools sponsored authorized by the
charter board; and
(2) publish guidelines concerning the review process described in
subdivision (1);
not later than December 31, 2011.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-1; (13)EH1338.3.11. -->
SECTION 11. IC 20-24-2.2-1, AS ADDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. The department shall establish a charter school
page on the department's Internet web site that includes information on
the following:
(1) All approved sponsors, authorizers, including the sponsors'
authorizers' processes for the following:
(A) Monitoring approved schools at regular intervals.
(B) Establishing minimum standards for renewing a charter or
not renewing a charter.
(C) Processes and standards for school closure, including the
transfer of academic records to other schools and
postsecondary educational institutions.
(2) All pending applications for a charter.
(3) All approved applications for a charter.
(4) All rejected applications for a charter.
(5) Annual performance data that includes the same demographic
and performance data required from school corporations.
(5) The authorizer's annual report as required under
IC 20-24-9.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-1.5; (13)EH1338.3.12. -->
SECTION 12. IC 20-24-2.2-1.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1.5. All approved authorizers
shall adopt standards of quality charter school authorizing, as
defined by a nationally recognized organization with expertise in
charter school authorizing.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-2; (13)EH1338.3.13. -->
SECTION 13. IC 20-24-2.2-2, AS ADDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 2. The minimum standards for renewal and the
standards to avoid closure imposed by sponsors authorizers on the
charter school in the charter school agreement must include a
requirement that the charter school not fall within the application of
IC 20-31-9-4, notwithstanding IC 20-31-9-1. remain in the lowest
category or designation of school improvement, including any
alternative accountability category or designation, in the third year
after initial placement in the lowest category or designation
established under IC 20-31-8-4.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-3; (13)EH1338.3.14. -->
SECTION 14. IC 20-24-2.2-3, AS AMENDED BY P.L.6-2012,
SECTION 128, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 3. (a) After giving at least thirty
(30) days notice, the state board may require
a sponsor an authorizer
to appear at a hearing conducted by the state board if the
sponsor
authorizer has renewed the charter of or failed to close a charter
school that does not meet the minimum standards in the charter
agreement as provided in section 2 of this chapter, as posted on the
department's Internet web site.
(b) After the hearing, the state board may implement one (1) or
more of the following actions unless the state board finds sufficient
justification for the charter school's performance under the state school
accountability system:
(1) Transfer the sponsorship authorization of the charter school
identified in subsection (a) to the charter board. another
authorizer.
(2) Order the closure of the charter school identified in subsection
(a) on the date set by the state board. at the end of the current
school year.
(3) Order the reduction of any administrative fee collected under
IC 20-24-7-4 that is applicable to the charter school identified in
subsection (a). to an amount not greater than fifty percent (50%)
of the amount allowed under IC 20-24-7-4. The reduction must
become effective at the beginning of the month following the
month of the authorizer's hearing before the state board.
A charter school that is closed by the state board under this section
may not be granted a charter by any other authorizer.
(c) In determining whether to impose consequences under
subsection (b), the state board must consider the following:
(1) Enrollment of students with special challenges such as drug or
alcohol addiction, prior withdrawal from school, prior
incarceration, or other special circumstances.
(2) High mobility of the student population resulting from the
specific purpose of the charter school.
(3) Annual improvement in the performance of students enrolled
in the charter school, as measured by IC 20-31-8-1, compared
with the performance of students enrolled in the charter school in
the immediately preceding school year.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-4; (13)EH1338.3.15. -->
SECTION 15. IC 20-24-2.2-4, AS ADDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 4. If the state board has closed or transferred
sponsorship authorization of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the
charter schools chartered by one (1)
sponsor authorizer under section
3 of this chapter, the
sponsor's authorizer's authority to
sponsor
authorize new charter schools may be suspended by the state board
until the state board approves the
sponsor authorizer to
sponsor
authorize new charter schools. A determination under this section to
suspend
a sponsor's an authorizer's authority to
sponsor authorize
new charter schools must identify the deficiencies that, if corrected,
will result in the approval of the sponsor authorizer to sponsor
authorize new charter schools.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-5; (13)EH1338.3.16. -->
SECTION 16. IC 20-24-2.2-5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A
NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]:
Sec. 5. (a) The purpose of this section
is to establish a cooperative relationship:
(1) between the department and an authorizer; and
(2) that fosters improved decision making related to charter
schools authorized by the authorizer.
(b) As used in this section, "covered records" refers to the
following:
(1) Education records (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4), as
in effect January 1, 2013) of students who enrolled in a
charter school authorized by an authorizer that are in the
possession of the department or the state board.
(2) Records in the possession of the department or the state
board that relate to the evaluation of the performance of a
charter school authorized by an authorizer or students who
are enrolled in a charter school authorized by an authorizer.
(3) Records in the possession of the department or the state
board that relate to the evaluation of the performance of
certified employees employed by a charter school authorized
by an authorizer.
(4) Records in the possession of the department or the state
board related to the evaluation of the performance of an
authorizer.
(c) Notwithstanding IC 5-14-3 or any other law, the department
shall provide, without charge, an authorizer with either:
(1) electronic access to; or
(2) written copies of;
covered records, as requested by the authorizer, that relate to a
charter school authorized by the authorizer or to the students or
certified employees of the charter school. The department shall
provide the covered records on a schedule determined by the
authorizer.
(d) The department shall provide, without charge, an authorizer
with a summary of the covered records that relate to a charter
school authorized by the authorizer or to the students or certified
employees of the charter school. The department shall provide the
summary described in this subsection to the authorizer at least
once each month. The authorizer may receive either paper copies
of the summary or copies of the summary transmitted
electronically, at the option of the authorizer. The summary must
be sufficiently detailed to identify each category or collection of
covered records. The department and the authorizer shall consult
one another as necessary to carry out this section.
(e) An authorizer may use covered records received under this
section only to:
(1) administer a charter authorization program;
(2) monitor and evaluate compliance with state standards;
(3) identify educational weaknesses in charter school
programs; or
(4) improve charter school performance.
(f) An authorizer shall protect covered records received by the
authorizer in a manner that will not permit the personal
identification of students and their parents by persons other than
officials of the authorizer who are directly involved in the
authorization program or involved with studies related to charter
schools authorized by the authorizer. An authorizer shall destroy
personally identifiable data when the information is no longer
needed for purposes of audit, evaluation, and enforcement of state
and federal requirements related to the charter schools authorized
by the authorizer.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-6; (13)EH1338.3.17. -->
SECTION 17. IC 20-24-2.2-6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A
NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]:
Sec. 6. (a) If the deficiencies identified
under section 3 of this chapter are not corrected within two (2)
years after the date the state board suspends the authorizer's
authority to authorize new charter schools in a final order under
section 4 of this chapter, the state board, following an affirmative
vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members, may revoke the
authorizer's authority to function as an authorizer. The state board
shall take all necessary steps to decommission the authorizer,
including overseeing the orderly winding up of authorization
activities or responsibilities, and ensuring the transfer of any
charter school records or administrative fees due under
IC 20-24-7-4 in the authorizer's custody.
(b) Charter schools authorized by an authorizer that has been
decommissioned under subsection (a) must apply to be approved
by another authorizer within one hundred fifty (150) days after the
date the state board revokes the authorizer's authority to function
as an authorizer, regardless of whether the state board has begun
the process of winding up authorization activities of the authorizer.
A charter school that is not approved under this subsection must
close at the end of the charter school's current school year
containing the date in which the charter school's application under
this subsection is disapproved. A charter school that is closed by
the state board under section 3 of this chapter may not be
approved by another authorizer under this subsection.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.2-7; (13)EH1338.3.18. -->
SECTION 18. IC 20-24-2.2-7 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 7. An entity may relinquish its
authorizer status by providing the state board a written statement
describing the authorizer's intention not to be considered an
authorizer and the reasons why the authorizer wishes to relinquish
its authorizer status. The written statement must reflect the
intention of the authorizer's governing body. The state board shall
review and act on the authorizer's written statement and shall take
all steps necessary to decommission the authorizer, including
overseeing the orderly winding up of authorization activities, and
ensuring the transfer of any charter school records or
administrative fee balances due under IC 20-24-7-4 in the
authorizer's custody.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-2.3; (13)EH1338.3.19. -->
SECTION 19. IC 20-24-2.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A
NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]:
Chapter 2.3. Indianapolis Charter School Board
Sec. 1. This chapter applies only to an authorizer that is the
executive of a consolidated city.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "executive" has the meaning set
forth in IC 36-1-2-5(2).
Sec. 3. (a) The Indianapolis charter school board is established.
(b) The Indianapolis charter school board is composed of the
following nine (9) members appointed to four (4) year terms:
(1) Six (6) members are appointed by the executive.
(2) Three (3) members are appointed by the president of the
city-county council for the consolidated city.
(c) The executive shall appoint the chairperson of the
Indianapolis charter school board.
(d) A majority of the members appointed to the Indianapolis
charter school board constitutes a quorum. The affirmative votes
of a majority of the voting members appointed to the Indianapolis
charter school board are required for the Indianapolis charter
school board to take action.
Sec. 4. The Indianapolis charter school board, with assistance
from the executive's office, shall establish a process to:
(1) review a proposal to establish a charter school under
IC 20-24-3-4; and
(2) make a decision on the proposal and communicate the
Indianapolis charter school board's decision to the executive's
office with respect to the Indianapolis charter school board's
decision to accept or reject the proposal;
and the executive shall notify an organizer of the Indianapolis
charter school board's decision as required under IC 20-24-3-9.
Sec. 5. The executive's office shall provide staff to carry out the
duties of the Indianapolis charter school board under this chapter.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-1; (13)EH1338.3.20. -->
SECTION 20. IC 20-24-3-1, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. A sponsor An authorizer may grant a charter
to an organizer to operate a charter school under this article.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-2; (13)EH1338.3.21. -->
SECTION 21. IC 20-24-3-2, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 2. A sponsor An authorizer may not grant a
charter to a for-profit organizer.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-2.5; (13)EH1338.3.22. -->
SECTION 22. IC 20-24-3-2.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A
NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]:
Sec. 2.5. If a proposed charter school
intends to contract with an education service provider for
substantial educational services, management services, or both
educational services and management services, the request for
proposals shall require the applicants to provide the following:
(1) Evidence of the education service provider's success in
serving student populations similar to the targeted
populations, including demonstrated academic achievement
as well as successful management of nonacademic school
functions, if applicable.
(2) A term sheet setting forth the:
(A) proposed duration of the service contract;
(B) roles and responsibilities of the organizer, the school
staff, and the education service provider;
(C) performance evaluation measures and timelines;
(D) compensation structure, including clear identification
of all fees to be paid to the education service provider;
(E) methods of contract oversight and enforcement;
(F) investment disclosure; and
(G) conditions for renewal and termination of the contract.
(3) A disclosure statement to explain any existing or potential
conflicts of interest between the organizer and the proposed
education service provider or any affiliated business entities.
(4) Assurance that the organizer will be structurally
independent of the education service provider and shall set
and approve school policies. The assurance must also provide
that the terms of the service contract must be reached by the
organizer and the education service provider through arms
length negotiations in which the organizer must be
represented by legal counsel. The legal counsel may not also
represent the education service provider.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-3; (13)EH1338.3.23. -->
SECTION 23. IC 20-24-3-3, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 3. The organizer's constitution, charter, articles,
or bylaws must contain a clause providing that upon dissolution:
(1) all remaining assets, except funds specified in subdivision (2),
shall be used for nonprofit educational purposes; the remaining
assets of the charter school shall be distributed first to satisfy
outstanding payroll obligations for employees of the charter
school, then to creditors of the charter school, then to any
outstanding debt to the common school fund; and
(2) remaining funds received from the department shall be
returned to the department not more than thirty (30) days after
dissolution.
If the assets of the charter school are insufficient to pay all parties
to whom the charter school owes compensation under subdivision
(1), the priority of the distribution of assets may be determined by
a court.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-4; (13)EH1338.3.24. -->
SECTION 24. IC 20-24-3-4, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 9, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 4. (a) An organizer may submit to the sponsor
authorizer a proposal to establish a charter school.
(b) A proposal must contain at least the following information:
(1) Identification of the organizer.
(2) A description of the organizer's organizational structure and
governance plan.
(3) The following information for the proposed charter school:
(A) Name.
(B) Purposes.
(C) Governance structure.
(D) Management structure.
(E) Educational mission goals.
(F) Curriculum and instructional methods.
(G) Methods of pupil assessment.
(H) Admission policy and criteria, subject to IC 20-24-5.
(I) School calendar.
(J) Age or grade range of students to be enrolled.
(K) A description of staff responsibilities.
(L) A description of the physical plant.
(M) Budget and financial plans.
(N) Personnel plan, including methods for selection, retention,
and compensation of employees.
(O) Transportation plan.
(P) Discipline program.
(Q) Plan for compliance with any applicable desegregation
order.
(R) The date when the charter school is expected to:
(i) begin school operations; and
(ii) have students attending the charter school.
(S) The arrangement for providing teachers and other staff
with health insurance, retirement benefits, liability insurance,
and other benefits.
(T) Any other applications submitted to a sponsor an
authorizer in the previous five (5) years.
(4) The manner in which the sponsor authorizer must conduct an
annual audit of the program operations of the charter school.
(c) This section does not waive, limit, or modify the provisions of:
(1) IC 20-29 in a charter school where the teachers have chosen
to organize under IC 20-29; or
(2) an existing collective bargaining agreement for noncertificated
employees (as defined in IC 20-29-2-11).
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-5; (13)EH1338.3.25. -->
SECTION 25. IC 20-24-3-5 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2013]. Sec. 5. (a) This section applies only to a sponsor that is the
executive of a consolidated city.
(b) Before issuing a charter, the sponsor must receive the approval
of a majority of the members of the legislative body (as defined in
IC 36-1-2-9) of the consolidated city for the establishment of a charter
school. The sponsor may issue charters for charter schools located in
the consolidated city.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-5.5; (13)EH1338.3.26. -->
SECTION 26. IC 20-24-3-5.5, AS ADDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 10, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 5.5. (a) This section applies to
a sponsor an
authorizer that is not the executive of a consolidated city.
(b) Before issuing a charter, the
sponsor authorizer must conduct
a public hearing concerning the establishment of the proposed charter
school. At the public hearing, the governing body of the school
corporation in which the proposed charter school will be located must
be given an opportunity to comment on the effect of the proposed
charter school on the school corporation, including any foreseen
negative impacts on the school corporation.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-7; (13)EH1338.3.27. -->
SECTION 27. IC 20-24-3-7, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 7. The sponsor authorizer may revoke the charter
of a charter school that does not, by the date specified in the charter:
(1) begin school operations; and
(2) have students attending the charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-8; (13)EH1338.3.28. -->
SECTION 28. IC 20-24-3-8 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2013]. Sec. 8. Before granting a charter under which more than fifty
percent (50%) of the students in a school corporation will attend a
charter school, the governing body of the school corporation must
receive the approval of the department.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-9; (13)EH1338.3.29. -->
SECTION 29. IC 20-24-3-9, AS ADDED BY P.L.169-2005,
SECTION 13, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 9. A sponsor An authorizer must notify an
organizer that submits a proposal under section 4 of this chapter of the:
(1) acceptance of the proposal; or
(2) rejection of the proposal;
not later than seventy-five (75) days after the organizer submits the
proposal.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-10; (13)EH1338.3.30. -->
SECTION 30. IC 20-24-3-10, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 11, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 10. (a)
A sponsor An authorizer must notify the
department of the following:
(1) Receipt of a proposal.
(2) Acceptance of a proposal.
(3) Rejection of a proposal, including the reasons for the
rejection.
(4) The length of time for which a charter is granted.
(5) School goals, educational program design, and an education
management organization operating a school, if applicable.
(6) The name and address of the education management
organization, and the name of the chief operating officer of the
education management organization, if applicable.
(b) The department shall annually do the following:
(1) Compile the information received under subsection (a) into a
report.
(2) Submit the report in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 to
the legislative council.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-11; (13)EH1338.3.31. -->
SECTION 31. IC 20-24-3-11, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 11. If a sponsor an authorizer rejects a charter
school proposal, the organizer may:
(1) amend the charter school proposal and resubmit the proposal
to the same sponsor; authorizer;
(2) submit a charter school proposal to another sponsor;
authorizer; or
(3) appeal the decision to the charter school review panel
established by section 12 of this chapter.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-12; (13)EH1338.3.32. -->
SECTION 32. IC 20-24-3-12, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 12. (a) This section applies if the sponsor
authorizer rejects a proposal.
(b) The organizer may appeal the decision of the sponsor
authorizer to the charter school review panel established by subsection
(c).
(c) The charter school review panel is established. The members of
the panel are as follows:
(1) The governor or the governor's designee.
(2) The state superintendent, who shall chair the panel.
(3) A member of the state board appointed by the state
superintendent.
(4) A person with financial management experience appointed by
the governor.
(5) A community leader with knowledge of charter school issues
appointed jointly by the governor and the state superintendent.
A member shall serve a two (2) year term and may be reappointed to
the panel upon expiration of the member's term.
(d) All decisions of the panel shall be determined by a majority vote
of the panel's members.
(e) Upon the request of an organizer, the panel shall meet to
consider the organizer's proposal and the sponsor's authorizer's
reasons for rejecting the proposal. The panel must allow the organizer
and sponsor authorizer to participate in the meeting.
(f) After the panel meets under subsection (e), the panel shall make
one (1) of the following findings and issue the finding to the organizer
and the sponsor: authorizer:
(1) A finding that supports the sponsor's authorizer's rejection of
the proposal.
(2) A finding that:
(A) recommends that the organizer amend the proposal; and
(B) specifies the changes to be made in the proposal if the
organizer elects to amend the proposal.
(3) A finding that approves the proposal.
The panel shall issue the finding not later than forty-five (45) days after
the panel receives the request for review.
(g) If the panel makes a finding described in subsection (f)(1), the
finding is final.
(h) If the panel makes a finding described in subsection (f)(2), the
organizer may amend the proposal according to the panel's
recommendations and resubmit the proposal directly to the panel.
(i) If the panel makes a finding described in subsection (f)(3), the
proposal is considered conditionally approved. The approval shall be
considered final upon delivery to the panel of written notice from the
organizer and an eligible sponsor authorizer that the sponsor
authorizer has agreed to serve as a sponsor an authorizer for the
proposal approved by the panel.
(j) Proposals approved under this section shall not be counted under
any numerical limits placed upon a sponsor an authorizer or set of
sponsors. authorizers.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-14; (13)EH1338.3.33. -->
SECTION 33. IC 20-24-3-14, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 14. (a) This section applies to university sponsors.
authorizers.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), the ultimate responsibility
for choosing to sponsor authorize a charter school and responsibilities
for maintaining sponsorship authorization rest with the university's
board of trustees.
(c) The university's board of trustees may vote to assign sponsorship
authorization authority and sponsorship authorization responsibilities
to another person or entity that functions under the direction of the
university's board. A decision made under this subsection shall be
communicated in writing to the department and the charter school
review panel.
(d) Before a university may sponsor authorize a charter school, the
university must conduct a public meeting with public notice in the
county where the charter school will be located.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-16; (13)EH1338.3.34. -->
SECTION 34. IC 20-24-3-16, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 16. An entity or multiple divisions of the same
entity may not serve simultaneously as both the organizer and the
sponsor authorizer of the same charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-3-17; (13)EH1338.3.35. -->
SECTION 35. IC 20-24-3-17 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 17. (a) The department shall
assign a school corporation identification number for each charter
school established under this chapter.
(b) If a charter school assigned a school corporation
identification number under subsection (a) consists of more than
one (1) campus, the department shall assign each charter school
campus, in addition to the school corporation identification
number under subsection (a), a separate school identification
number.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-4-1; (13)EH1338.3.36. -->
SECTION 36. IC 20-24-4-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 12, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. (a) A charter must meet the following
requirements:
(1) Be a written instrument.
(2) Be executed by
a sponsor an authorizer and an organizer.
(3) Confer certain rights, franchises, privileges, and obligations
on a charter school.
(4) Confirm the status of a charter school as a public school.
(5) Be granted for:
(A) not less than three (3) years; and
(B) a fixed number of years agreed to by the
sponsor
authorizer and the organizer.
(6) Provide for the following:
(A) A review by the
sponsor authorizer of the charter school's
performance, including the progress of the charter school in
achieving the academic goals set forth in the charter, at least
one (1) time in each five (5) year period while the charter is in
effect.
(B) Renewal, if the
sponsor authorizer and the organizer
agree to renew the charter.
(C) The renewal application must include guidance from
the authorizer, and the guidance must include the
performance criteria that will guide the authorizer's
renewal decisions.
(D) The renewal application process must, at a minimum,
provide an opportunity for the charter school to:
(i) present additional evidence, beyond the data
contained in the performance report, supporting its case
for charter renewal;
(ii) describe improvements undertaken or planned for
the charter school; and
(iii) detail the charter school's plans for the next charter
term.
(E) Not later than October 1, in the year in which the
charter school seeks renewal of a charter, the governing
board of a charter school seeking renewal shall submit a
renewal application to the charter authorizer under the
renewal application guidance issued by the authorizer. The
authorizer shall make a final ruling on the renewal
application not later than March 1 after the filing of the
renewal application. The March 1 deadline does not apply
to any review or appeal of a final ruling. After the final
ruling is issued, the charter school may obtain further
review by the authorizer of the authorizer's final ruling in
accordance with the terms of the charter school's charter
and the protocols of the authorizer.
(7) Specify the grounds for the sponsor authorizer to:
(A) revoke the charter before the end of the term for which the
charter is granted; or
(B) not renew a charter.
(8) Set forth the methods by which the charter school will be held
accountable for achieving the educational mission and goals of
the charter school, including the following:
(A) Evidence of improvement in:
(i) assessment measures, including the ISTEP and end of
course assessments;
(ii) attendance rates;
(iii) graduation rates (if appropriate);
(iv) increased numbers of Core 40 diplomas and other
college and career ready indicators including advanced
placement participation and passage, dual credit
participation and passage, and International Baccalaureate
participation and passage (if appropriate);
(v) increased numbers of academic honors and technical
honors diplomas (if appropriate);
(vi) student academic growth;
(vii) financial performance and stability; and
(viii) governing board performance and stewardship,
including compliance with applicable laws, rules and
regulations, and charter terms.
(B) Evidence of progress toward reaching the educational
goals set by the organizer.
(9) Describe the method to be used to monitor the charter
school's:
(A) compliance with applicable law; and
(B) performance in meeting targeted educational performance.
(10) Specify that the
sponsor authorizer and the organizer may
amend the charter during the term of the charter by mutual
consent and describe the process for amending the charter.
(11) Describe specific operating requirements, including all the
matters set forth in the application for the charter.
(12) Specify a date when the charter school will:
(A) begin school operations; and
(B) have students attending the charter school.
(13) Specify that records of a charter school relating to the
school's operation and charter are subject to inspection and
copying to the same extent that records of a public school are
subject to inspection and copying under IC 5-14-3.
(14) Specify that records provided by the charter school to the
department or
sponsor authorizer that relate to compliance by the
organizer with the terms of the charter or applicable state or
federal laws are subject to inspection and copying in accordance
with IC 5-14-3.
(15) Specify that the charter school is subject to the requirements
of IC 5-14-1.5.
(b) A charter school shall set annual performance targets in
conjunction with the charter school's
sponsor. authorizer. The annual
performance targets shall be designed to help each school meet
applicable federal, state, and
sponsor authorizer expectations.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-4-2; (13)EH1338.3.37. -->
SECTION 37. IC 20-24-4-2 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2013]: Sec. 2. An organizer may hold one (1) or more charter
contracts. Each charter school that is part of a charter contract
must be separate and distinct from any other charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-4-3; (13)EH1338.3.38. -->
SECTION 38. IC 20-24-4-3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2013]: Sec. 3. (a) In making charter renewal decisions, an
authorizer shall:
(1) make decisions based upon 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;
(2) ensure the data used in making renewal decisions are
available to the school and the public; and
(3) provide a public report summarizing the evidence basis for
each decision.
(b) An authorizer must develop revocation and nonrenewal
processes that:
(1) provide the organizer with a timely notification of
revocation or nonrenewal and the reasons for the possible
revocation or nonrenewal;
(2) allow the organizer a reasonable amount of time in which
to prepare a response;
(3) provide the organizer with an opportunity to submit
documents and give testimony in support of the continuation
of the charter school at a proceeding held for that purpose;
(4) allow the organizer access to representation by counsel;
and
(5) after a reasonable period for deliberation, require that a
final determination be made and conveyed in writing to the
organizer.
(c) If an authorizer revokes or does not renew a charter, the
authorizer shall clearly state, in writing, the reasons for the
revocation or nonrenewal.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-5-4; (13)EH1338.3.39. -->
SECTION 39. IC 20-24-5-4, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 14, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 4. (a) Except as provided in this chapter, a charter
school may not establish admission policies or limit student admissions
in any manner in which a public school is not permitted to establish
admission policies or limit student admissions.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a charter school may operate as
a single gender school if approved to do so by the sponsor. authorizer.
A single gender charter school must be open to any student of the
gender the school serves who resides in Indiana.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-6-1; (13)EH1338.3.40. -->
SECTION 40. IC 20-24-6-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 16, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. (a) Individuals who work at a charter school are
employees of the charter school or of an entity with which the charter
school has contracted to provide services.
(b) Teachers in a conversion charter school may be employees of the
charter school or of both the charter school and the school corporation
that sponsored authorized the charter school, as determined by the
provisions of the charter.
(c) All benefits accrued by teachers as employees of the conversion
charter school are the financial responsibility of the conversion charter
school.
(d) All benefits accrued by a teacher during the time the teacher was
an employee only of the school corporation that sponsored authorized
the charter school are the financial responsibility of the school
corporation. The school corporation shall pay those benefits directly or
reimburse the conversion charter school for the cost of the benefits.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-6-8; (13)EH1338.3.41. -->
SECTION 41. IC 20-24-6-8, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 8. The decision by a sponsor an authorizer
whether to grant a charter is not subject to restraint by a collective
bargaining agreement.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7-4; (13)EH1338.3.42. -->
SECTION 42. IC 20-24-7-4, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 18, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 4. (a) Services that a school corporation provides
to a charter school, including transportation, may be provided at not
more than one hundred three percent (103%) of the actual cost of the
services.
(b) This subsection applies to
a sponsor an authorizer that is a state
educational institution described in IC 20-24-1-7(2). In a calendar year,
a state educational institution may receive from the organizer of a
charter school
sponsored authorized by the state educational
institution an administrative fee equal to not more than three percent
(3%) of the total amount the organizer receives during the calendar
year from basic tuition support (as defined in IC 20-43-1-8).
(c) This subsection applies to the executive of a consolidated city
that
sponsors authorizes a charter school. In a calendar year, the
executive may collect from the organizer of a charter school
sponsored
authorized by the executive an administrative fee equal to not more
than three percent (3%) of the total amount the organizer receives
during the calendar year for basic tuition support.
(d) This subsection applies to
a sponsor an authorizer that is a
nonprofit college or university that is approved by the state board of
education. In a calendar year, a private college or university may
collect from the organizer of a charter school
sponsored authorized by
the private college or university an administrative fee equal to not more
than three percent (3%) of the total amount the organizer receives
during the calendar year for basic tuition support.
(e) This subsection applies to the charter board. In a calendar year,
the charter school board may collect from the organizer of a charter
school
sponsored authorized by the charter board an administrative fee
equal to not more than three percent (3%) of the total amount the
organizer receives during the calendar year for basic tuition support.
(f)
A sponsor's An authorizer's administrative fee may not include
any costs incurred in delivering services that a charter school may
purchase at its discretion from the sponsor. authorizer. The sponsor
authorizer shall use its funding provided under this section exclusively
for the purpose of fulfilling sponsoring authorizing obligations.
(g) Except for oversight services, a charter school may not be
required to purchase services from its sponsor authorizer as a
condition of charter approval or of executing a charter contract, nor
may any such condition be implied.
(h) A charter school may choose to purchase services from its
sponsor. authorizer. In that event, the charter school and sponsor
authorizer shall execute an annual service contract, separate from the
charter contract, stating the parties' mutual agreement concerning the
services to be provided by the sponsor authorizer and any service fees
to be charged to the charter school. A sponsor An authorizer may not
charge more than market rates for services provided to a charter school.
(i) Not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year,
each sponsor authorizer shall provide to each charter school it
sponsors authorizes an itemized accounting of the actual costs of
services purchased by the charter school from the sponsor. authorizer.
Any difference between the amount initially charged to the charter
school and the actual cost shall be reconciled and paid to the owed
party. If either party disputes the itemized accounting, any charges
included in the accounting, or charges to either party, either party may
request a review by the department. The requesting party shall pay the
costs of the review.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7-6.5; (13)EH1338.3.43. -->
SECTION 43. IC 20-24-7-6.5, AS ADDED BY P.L.229-2011,
SECTION 170, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 6.5. (a) Subject to subsection (b)
and with the approval of a majority of the members of the governing
body, a school corporation may distribute any part of the following to
a conversion school sponsored authorized by the school corporation
in the amount and under the terms and conditions adopted by a
majority of the members of the governing body:
(1) State tuition support and other state distributions to the school
corporation.
(2) Any other amount deposited in the school corporation's
general fund.
(b) The total amount that may be transferred under subsection (a) in
a calendar year to a particular conversion charter school may not
exceed the result determined under STEP FOUR of the following
formula:
STEP ONE: Determine the result of:
(A) the amount of state tuition support that the school
corporation is eligible to receive in the calendar year; divided
by
(B) the current ADM of the school corporation for the calendar
year.
STEP TWO: Determine the result of:
(A) the amount of state tuition support that the conversion
charter school is eligible to receive in the calendar year;
divided by
(B) the current ADM of the conversion charter school for the
calendar year.
STEP THREE: Determine the greater of zero (0) or the result of:
(A) the STEP ONE amount; minus
(B) the STEP TWO amount.
STEP FOUR: Determine the result of:
(A) the STEP THREE amount; multiplied by
(B) the current ADM of the conversion charter school for the
calendar year.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7-8; (13)EH1338.3.44. -->
SECTION 44. IC 20-24-7-8, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 8. A sponsor An authorizer may request and
receive financial reports concerning a charter school from the organizer
at any time.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7-9; (13)EH1338.3.45. -->
SECTION 45. IC 20-24-7-9, AS AMENDED BY P.L.146-2008,
SECTION 463, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 9. (a) This section applies if:
(1)
a sponsor: an authorizer:
(A) revokes a charter before the end of the term for which the
charter is granted; or
(B) does not renew a charter; or
(2) a charter school otherwise terminates its charter before the end
of the term for which the charter is granted.
(b) Any state funds that remain to be distributed to the charter
school in the calendar year in which an event described in subsection
(a) occurs shall be distributed as follows:
(1) First, to the common school loan fund to repay any existing
obligations of the charter school under IC 20-49-7.
(2) Second, to the entities that distributed the funds to the charter
school. A distribution under this subdivision shall be on a pro rata
basis.
(c) If the funds described in subsection (b) are insufficient to repay
all existing obligations of the charter school under IC 20-49-7, the state
shall repay any remaining obligations of the charter school under
IC 20-49-7 from the amount appropriated for state tuition support
distributions.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7-10; (13)EH1338.3.46. -->
SECTION 46. IC 20-24-7-10, AS ADDED BY P.L.169-2005,
SECTION 14, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 10. (a) The department shall carry out a program
to identify all federal funds for which a charter school is eligible.
(b) The department shall apply for all federal funds that are
available for charter schools and for which Indiana is eligible.
(c) Upon receiving notice under IC 20-5.5-3-9 IC 20-24-3-10 from
a sponsor an authorizer that a charter has been approved, the
department shall immediately inform the organizer of the organizer's
potential eligibility for federal charter school start-up grants.
(d) The department shall distribute federal charter school start-up
grants to eligible organizers in a timely manner according to the
department's published guidelines for distributing the grants.
(e) The department shall compile a biannual report and submit the
report to the state office of federal grants and procurement and to
charter school organizers and sponsors. authorizers. The report
submitted under this subsection must contain the following information
for grants distributed under this section:
(1) Beginning and end dates for each grant cycle.
(2) The dates on which:
(A) grant applications and requests for renewal were received;
and
(B) grants were awarded.
(3) The amount of each grant awarded.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7-13; (13)EH1338.3.47. -->
SECTION 47. IC 20-24-7-13, AS AMENDED BY P.L.229-2011,
SECTION 171, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 13. (a) As used in this section,
"virtual charter school" means any charter school, including a
conversion charter school, that provides for the delivery of more than
fifty percent (50%) of instruction to students through:
(1) virtual distance learning;
(2) online technologies; or
(3) computer based instruction.
(b) Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, A virtual charter
school may apply for sponsorship authorization with any statewide
sponsor authorizer in accordance with the sponsor's authorizer's
guidelines.
(c) Before January 1, 2012, a virtual charter school is entitled to
receive funding from the state in an amount equal to the sum of:
(1) the product of:
(A) the number of students included in the virtual charter
school's ADM; multiplied by
(B) eighty percent (80%) of statewide average basic tuition
support.
(d) (c) After December 31, 2011, A virtual charter school is entitled
to receive funding from the state in an amount equal to the sum of:
(1) the product of:
(A) the number of students included in the virtual charter
school's ADM; multiplied by
(B) eighty-seven and five-tenths percent (87.5%) of the
school's foundation amount determined under IC 20-43-5-4;
plus
(2) the total of any special education grants under IC 20-43-7 to
which the virtual charter school is entitled.
(d) After December 31, 2011, A virtual charter school is entitled to
receive special education grants under IC 20-43-7 calculated in the
same manner as special education grants are calculated for other school
corporations.
(d) (e) The department state board shall adopt rules under
IC 4-22-2 to govern the operation of virtual charter schools.
(e) (f) Beginning in 2009, The department, with the approval of
the state board, shall before December 1 of each year submit an
annual report to the budget committee concerning the program under
this section.
(f) (g) This subsection does not apply to students who were enrolled
in a virtual charter school during the 2010-2011 school year. Each
school year, at least sixty percent (60%) of the students who are
enrolled in virtual charter schools under this section for the first time
must have been included in the state's ADM count for the previous
school year.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-7.5-2; (13)EH1338.3.48. -->
SECTION 48. IC 20-24-7.5-2 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2014]. Sec. 2. This chapter does not apply to a virtual
charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-8-3; (13)EH1338.3.49. -->
SECTION 49. IC 20-24-8-3, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 3. For each charter school established under this
article, the charter school and the organizer are accountable to the
sponsor authorizer for ensuring compliance with:
(1) applicable federal and state laws;
(2) the charter; and
(3) the Constitution of the State of Indiana.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-8-8; (13)EH1338.3.50. -->
SECTION 50. IC 20-24-8-8 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2013]: Sec. 8. The state shall pay directly to a charter school any
federal or state aid attributable to a student with a disability
attending the charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-9-2; (13)EH1338.3.51. -->
SECTION 51. IC 20-24-9-2, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 22, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 2. An annual report under this chapter must
contain the following information:
(1) Results of all standardized testing, including ISTEP program
testing, end of course assessments, and any other assessments
used for each sponsored authorized school.
(2) A description of the educational methods and teaching
methods employed for each sponsored school.
(2) Student growth and improvement data for each authorized
school.
(3) Attendance rates for each sponsored authorized school.
(4) Graduation rates (if appropriate), including attainment of Core
40 and academic honors diplomas for each sponsored authorized
school.
(5) Student enrollment data for each sponsored authorized
school, including the following:
(A) The number of students enrolled.
(B) The number of students expelled.
(6) Schools that closed or for which the charter was not renewed,
and the reasons for the closure or nonrenewal.
(7) Names of the authorizer's board members or ultimate
decision making body.
(8) Evidence that the authorizer is in compliance with
IC 20-24-2.2-1.5.
(9) A report summarizing the total amount of administrative
fees collected by the authorizer and how the fees were
expended, if applicable.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-9-3; (13)EH1338.3.52. -->
SECTION 52. IC 20-24-9-3, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 3. The sponsor authorizer shall oversee a charter
school's compliance with:
(1) the charter; and
(2) all applicable laws.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-9-4; (13)EH1338.3.53. -->
SECTION 53. IC 20-24-9-4, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of the charter,
a sponsor an authorizer that grants a charter may revoke the charter
at any time before the expiration of the term of the charter if, after the
authorizer has notified the school and given reasonable time to
correct the issue, the sponsor authorizer determines that at least one
(1) of the following occurs:
(1) The organizer fails to comply with the conditions or
procedures established in the charter.
(2) The charter school established by the organizer fails to meet
the educational goals set forth in the charter.
(3) The organizer fails to comply with all applicable laws.
(4) The organizer fails to meet generally accepted fiscal
management and government accounting principles.
(5) One (1) or more grounds for revocation exist as specified in
the charter.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-9-4.5; (13)EH1338.3.54. -->
SECTION 54. IC 20-24-9-4.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 4.5. (a) Before any charter school
closure decision, an authorizer shall develop a charter school
closure protocol to ensure timely notification to parents, orderly
transition of students and student records to new schools, and
proper disposition of school funds, property, and assets.
(b) If a charter school closes for any reason, the authorizer shall
oversee and work with the closing charter school to ensure a
smooth and orderly closure and transition for students and
parents, as guided by the closure protocol.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-9-5; (13)EH1338.3.55. -->
SECTION 55. IC 20-24-9-5, AS ADDED BY P.L.1-2005,
SECTION 8, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 5. A charter school shall report the following to
the sponsor: authorizer:
(1) Attendance records.
(2) Student performance data.
(3) Financial information.
(4) Any information necessary to comply with state and federal
government requirements.
(5) Any other information specified in the charter.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-9-7; (13)EH1338.3.56. -->
SECTION 56. IC 20-24-9-7, AS AMENDED BY SEA 85-2013,
SECTION 55, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 7. If an organizer of a charter school maintains
an Internet web site for a charter school, the organizer of a the
charter school shall publish the names of the members of the charter
school's governing body on the charter school's Internet web site.
SOURCE: IC 20-24-11-1; (13)EH1338.3.57. -->
SECTION 57. IC 20-24-11-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.91-2011,
SECTION 24, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. (a) This section does not apply to an existing
public elementary or secondary school that the governing body of the
school corporation in which the school is located has scheduled for
closure.
(b) An existing public elementary or secondary school may be
converted into a charter school if all of the following conditions apply:
(1) At least fifty-one percent (51%) of the parents of students who
attend the school have signed a petition requesting the
conversion, which must be completed not later than ninety (90)
days after the date of the first signature.
(2) The school has been placed in either of the two (2) lowest
categories or designations under IC 20-31-8-3 for two (2)
consecutive years.
(3) The governing body votes to convert an existing school within
the school corporation.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), if a governing body operates a
school that has been placed in either of the two (2) lowest categories or
designations under IC 20-31-8-3 for four (4) consecutive years, the
governing body may not serve as that charter school's sponsor.
authorizer.
(d) A conversion charter school shall continue to comply with all
legal requirements concerning student diversity and treatment of
children with special needs and accept all students who attended the
school before its conversion and who wish to attend the conversion
charter school. If any space remains, any student in Indiana may attend
the conversion charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-39-1-1; (13)EH1338.3.58. -->
SECTION 58. IC 20-39-1-1, AS ADDED BY P.L.2-2006,
SECTION 162, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013]: Sec. 1. All public school governing
bodies, except a charter school organizer, shall adopt and fully and
accurately implement a single, unified accounting system as prescribed
by the state board and the state board of accounts.
SOURCE: IC 20-39-1-2; (13)EH1338.3.59. -->
SECTION 59. IC 20-39-1-2 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2013]. Sec. 2. Section 1 of this chapter and rules and guidelines
adopted under section 1 of this chapter apply to a charter school.
SOURCE: IC 20-39-1-4; (13)EH1338.3.60. -->
SECTION 60. IC 20-39-1-4 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A
NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2013]:
Sec. 4. Charter school organizers shall adopt and
accurately implement a single, unified accounting system for
charter school organizers as prescribed by the state board and the
state board of accounts. The system, including a chart of accounts
and all prescribed forms, must enable charter school organizers to
adopt the accrual basis method of accounting.
SOURCE: ; (13)EH1338.3.61. -->
SECTION 61.
An emergency is declared for this act.