MA S2614

Caps charter school tuition payments at 9% of a district's net school spending, eliminating the current 18% cap for certain low-performing districts; districts already exceeding 9% as of June 30, 2025 may maintain current enrollment levels but cannot add new charter seats

Shifts funding so the state pays for any charter school tuition amounts above the foundation budget rate, while districts pay only the per-pupil facilities component plus the unadjusted foundation budget amount

Extends reimbursement to districts for increased charter tuition costs over 5 years (100% in year one, decreasing by 20% annually), and prohibits approval of new charter schools or expansions if the state underfunds the reimbursement account

Requires charter school renewal materials to be made public at least 60 days before a board vote, with a minimum 30-day public comment period

Mandates public hearings on charter school expansion requests if requested by a school committee member from an impacted district, with approval criteria including projected enrollment, financial impact, and district viability