IL SB0574

Amends Section 27A-4 of the School Code to establish maximum enrollment capacity for dropout recovery charter schools at 300 seats per campus (increased from 165), while maintaining a maximum total enrollment of 1,875 seats and up to 15 campuses per school.

Limits total charter schools operating statewide to 120, with no more than 70 in cities with populations exceeding 500,000 (including at least 5 devoted to low-performing or overcrowded schools) and no more than 45 in the remainder of the state.

Allows charter schools serving high school dropouts and students ages 15-16 at risk of dropping out to grant priority admission to their target population, with a requirement that 90% of enrolled students be high school dropouts.

Clarifies that school districts in cities with populations exceeding 500,000 are not required to collectively bargain over decisions to grant, deny, renew, or revoke charter school proposals, though existing employee rights under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act are preserved.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.