AR SB117

Creates the Open Enrollment Public Charter School Capital Grant Program under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 23, allowing public charter schools to apply for grants through the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

Grant funds may be used for maintenance, repair, renovation, and new construction of academic facilities; acquiring sites and constructing facilities; purchasing instructional materials and technology; and repaying debt incurred for these purposes.

Establishes the Open Enrollment Public Charter School Capital Grant Program Fund as a miscellaneous state fund consisting of general revenues and nonfederal funds to distribute grants to charter schools.

Requires charter school boards to submit formal applications with school information, board resolution, proposed use of funds, amount requested, and supporting evidence; the division must approve, approve for lesser amount, or reject applications within a reasonable timeframe.

For school year 2013-2014, only charter schools meeting four criteria are eligible: five or more years in existence, 60% or more national school lunch students, student transportation provision, and demonstrated academic success.