MN HF3585

Charter school teachers must have initial employment contracts in writing that include terms and conditions of employment signed by the employee and charter school board of directors.

Teachers who are discharged or disciplined may request a hearing before an arbitrator within 14 calendar days after receiving notice, with the charter school requesting a list of five arbitrators from the Bureau of Mediation Services and both parties alternately striking names until one remains.

Charter school boards are prohibited from discharging, disciplining, threatening, or discriminating against employees who report information in good faith regarding financial circumstances, educational performance, conflicts of interest, or violations of law or school policy to state agencies, law enforcement, or school officials.

Reasonable attorney fees must be awarded to employees who substantially prevail in actions challenging violations of whistleblower protections.

Persons without valid administrator's licenses may perform administrative and supervisory duties if the board of directors establishes qualifications and develops a professional development plan documented in the school's annual report.