IL HB5825

Establishes a State Charter School Commission as an independent commission with statewide chartering authority, placed under the State Board for administrative purposes only.

Commission consists of 9 members appointed by the State Board from candidates proposed by the Governor, with staggered 2-4 year initial terms and subsequent 4-year terms; requires statewide geographic diversity and expertise in governance, finance, education, and charter school operations.

Commission responsible for authorizing high-quality charter schools throughout Illinois, particularly those serving at-risk students, and must provide biennial reports on best practices in charter school authorizing.

Commission may charge charter schools up to 3% of revenue to cover administrative costs, with fees deposited into the State Charter School Commission Fund; Commission has authority to employ staff and enter contracts without civil service restrictions.

All charter schools previously authorized by the State Board must transfer authorization to the Commission by July 1, 2012; State Board retains rulemaking authority but must work jointly with Commission on rule modifications.