MN HF1460

Creates a new option for independent and special school districts to sponsor collaborative charter schools, which are public schools organized as cooperatives or nonprofits under state law.

Collaborative charter schools can be formed through either a memorandum of understanding with teachers' unions or by contracting with eligible charter school sponsors; must be located within the sponsoring district's geographic boundaries.

Establishes governance requirements including a minimum 5-member board of directors, conflict of interest provisions, charter contracts with specific required terms, and performance evaluation standards for authorizers.

Pupils in collaborative charter schools generate funding identical to other district pupils under chapter 126C and qualify for charter school lease aid and startup aid; schools must provide at least as much instructional time as the sponsoring district.

Authorizers may assess annual oversight fees (up to 1.5% of basic formula allowance in 2010, escalating to 4.0% by 2013) and may terminate or decline to renew contracts for failure to meet pupil performance, fiscal management standards, or legal violations.