DE HB205

Amends Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to charter schools to strengthen oversight, transparency, and financial accountability measures

Requires criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks for charter school board members and founders; prohibits individuals with felony convictions or crimes against children from serving on charter boards

Mandates charter schools disclose all ownership and financial interests held by founders and board members, and requires posting of financial reports and audits on school websites

Phases first-year charter school funding with 50% at fiscal year start, 25% on October 1st, and remaining 25% on February 1st, contingent on financial review by Department of Education

Classifies enrollment increases exceeding 15% as major modifications and allows authorizers to consider impact on traditional public schools when approving rapid expansion requests

Permits highly successful charter operators to apply for accelerated approval to operate schools serving students from closing charter schools, with streamlined timelines

Establishes process for charter schools to transfer oversight between authorizers and requires each charter held by a board to be reviewed separately for formal oversight and revocation purposes

Extends Financial Recovery Team authority to charter schools in financial distress, allowing state oversight of expenditures and budget approval