DE HB357

Requires all charter school applications to be submitted first to the local school board in which the charter school will be located for initial review and consideration.

Mandates the local school board hold a face-to-face meeting with the charter school applicant to review and discuss the application and make a decision within 60 days of receipt.

Requires any denial by a local school board to include a written impact statement addressing effects on enrollment and finances of affected districts, programs already offered, and demographic information for the area.

Allows denied applicants to submit a written request to the Department of Education within 30 days to have their application reconsidered, with Department approval requiring assent of both the Secretary and State Board.

Takes effect on August 1, 2014.