Legislation proposed by Rep. Lee Daniels (R-Elmhurst) would amend the School Code, authorizing the creation of Charter Schools in all school districts. It would establish a seven-member Illinois Charter Schools Commission to administer the Charter Schools Law and provide that members of the Commission are to be appointed to staggered four-year terms by the Governor. If the governing body of a Charter School is a college or university or public community college, the proposed legislation provides that the Illinois Board of Higher Education must approve the charter before it takes effect.
The proposed legislation also adds provisions concerning the manner of approval of a Charter School contract, material contract revision, and release of a charter school from state laws and regulations. It provides that a Charter School shall be:
The proposed legislation authorizes Charter Schools to negotiate for the use, operation, and maintenance of school buildings and grounds on a rent-free basis with colleges, universities, and other entities. It also prescribes certain terms that are required to be included in a Charter School application and contract. If the Charter School is to be established by converting an existing public school to Charter School status, this move must have the approval by a majority of the certified teachers at the school, by a majority of the parents and guardians of pupils enrolled in the school, and (in Chicago) by the local school council before an application may be submitted or received for consideration to establish the designated school as a Charter School. Finally, the proposed legislation adds provisions relative to charter terms and renewals, employee options, financing, evaluation, and reporting.
Posted on March 3, 1995
URL: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/go/94-2lee. htm