MN HF4020

Redefines charter school purposes to emphasize improving learning and achievement of all students, with charter schools required to identify and document their targeted purposes in annual reports submitted to authorizers.

Establishes detailed roles and responsibilities for authorizers including reviewing applications, negotiating contracts, conducting ongoing monitoring, and evaluating school performance; prohibits commissioner from requiring authorizers to undertake roles beyond statute or charter contract.

Requires extensive training for charter school board members including initial training on roles, responsibilities, open meeting law, and data practices before being seated, plus 25+ hours of annual competency-based training; failure to complete training within 12 months results in automatic ineligibility.

Creates a charter school closure fund financed by per-capita pupil fees ($1 per pupil annually until reaching $200,000 cap) to cover closure costs including audits, liability insurance, legal fees, and trustee compensation; establishes closure trustee requirements and procedures.

Strengthens financial transparency and conflict-of-interest restrictions including requirements for CMO/EMO contracts to be published for public review before adoption, annual assurances regarding compensation and board service, and prohibition on CMOs/EMOs contracting with authorizers and vice versa.