Senate Sponsors: FITZGERALD. Short description: SCH CD-CHARTER SCHOOL REVISION Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the School Code. Makes changes in the legislative findings and purposes that are part of the Charter Schools Law. Authorizes enrollment in a charter school on a space available basis for pupils residing in a school district outside the geographic boundaries of the area served by the local school board. Provides that approval of a charter school proposal shall not be withheld because a charter school building is not under lease, so long as at least 2 potentially available sites are identified in the submission. Clarifies that charter school submissions do not have to demonstrate unequivocally that the charter school will meet each of the declared purposes of the Charter Schools Law. Replaces references to "innovative" in describing educational and teaching techniques and programs with alternative terminology. Provides that charter school proposals may not be denied by a local school board unless the board is able to demonstrate that the proposal does not meet statutory requirements. Provides that the State Board is to review actions of the local school board in denying, refusing to renew, or revoking a charter, and requires the State Board to overrule the local school board if the charter school meets statutory requirements. Adds additional provisions relative to pupil transportation, start-up loans for textbooks and equipment, and payment schedules for funds that a charter school is to receive from a local school board. Revises provisions relating to petitions currently required to be filed in support of charter school proposals. Makes other related changes. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 99-01-12 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status