MN SF478

Revives the Charter School Advisory Council with nine members representing authorizers, administrators, teachers, parents, and support organizations; council expires June 30, 2015.

Replaces "sponsors" with "authorizers" throughout and establishes authorization approval process requiring commissioner review within 30 business days; authorizers must meet performance standards and undergo five-year reviews.

Increases charter school contract length from three to five years and requires written contracts signed by authorizer and board of directors within 45 business days of commissioner approval.

Establishes authorizer assessment fee structure starting at 1.0 percent of formula allowance per pupil unit (maximum 1.25 units in 2009-2010) and increasing to 4.0 pupil units by 2013-2014.

Strengthens conflict of interest provisions prohibiting board members with financial ties to contracted entities from serving, renders violating contracts void, and allows aid reduction for non-compliance.