CO SB161

Authorizes charter schools to enter into contracts with boards of cooperative services, other charter schools, and third parties for building use, operation, maintenance, and educational services.

Allows the State Charter School Institute to act as the local education agency and fiscal agent for charter schools applying for competitive federal grants, with the ability to collect fees not exceeding direct costs incurred.

Establishes charter school collaboratives as separate legal entities that two or more charter schools can form to jointly provide functions, services, or facilities without requiring authorizer approval.

Specifies that charter school collaboratives must operate as public entities subject to open meeting requirements and state charter school regulations, with the collaborative solely responsible for its own debts and obligations.

Appropriates 1.0 FTE to the State Charter School Institute for fiscal year 2010-2011, funded by fees collected from charter schools utilizing the local education agency services.