CT SB01349

Establishes a State-wide Office of School Choice within the Department of Education, effective July 1, 2025, to oversee charter school applications, renewals, and maintain a centralized information repository for magnet and charter school governance data.

Requires the Commissioner of Education to issue annual requests for proposals by January 1 each year (starting 2026) for charter school applicants, with a June 1 application deadline and State Board review by September 15.

Caps state charter school enrollment at 250 students (300 for K-8 schools) or 25% of the local district enrollment, whichever is less, though schools with demonstrated achievement records may apply for waivers.

Mandates a report by July 1, 2026 on strengthening charter school funding transparency, including examples from other states and recommendations for streamlining the approval process, developed in consultation with education stakeholders.

Expands biennial charter school reporting requirements to include student enrollment and attrition data, effective academic practices, and recommendations for interdistrict collaboration on academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.