IL HB5887

State Charter School Commission must require virtual charter schools to ensure student access to teachers and report to local school boards information regarding teacher accessibility, teacher/student ratios, and teacher/student contact time.

Virtual charter schools must provide opportunities for peer interaction and collaboration, and adopt protocols to prevent bullying or other inappropriate online behavior.

Not-for-profit entities proposing virtual charter schools must exist for at least one year before submitting a proposal, operate under the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act, demonstrate direct community links through residency or employment, and limit submissions to one proposal per school district per year.

Commission shall limit withholding of State funds from school districts for virtual charter schools in proportion to per pupil expenditure for building maintenance, classroom supplies, transportation, safety/security, and other brick-and-mortar school costs.

Commission must require all authorized charter schools to submit proof of continuing enrollment and attendance quarterly, with prorated refunds to school districts when students withdraw.