HB459 Summary: Alabama Charter School Pilot Program Act of 2011

• Establishes the Alabama Charter School Pilot Program Act to authorize local boards of education to create and operate independent public charter schools within existing public school systems.

• Requires the State Board of Education to design a petition format for charter school establishment or continuation, with petitions submitted to local boards by December 1 of the preceding school year.

• Specifies 15 required charter elements including educational program description, program goals, measurable student outcomes, governance structure, admission criteria, budget, and employment terms.

• Approves charters for five-year terms and allows renewal only if charter schools demonstrate progress toward original program goals; permits revocation for material charter violations, failure to meet goals, fiscal non-compliance, or discriminatory enrollment practices.

• Requires local boards to annually evaluate charter school impact and submit evaluations to the State Board of Education, which compiles results and reports to the Governor and Legislature by the fifth legislative day of each regular session.