MO SB291

Expands charter school eligibility to operate in any Missouri school district, removing previous restrictions limiting them to metropolitan areas and urban districts with populations over 350,000.

Establishes rigorous sponsor requirements including annual audits, transparent renewal processes, background checks for board members, and liability protections for sponsors; sponsors must spend at least 90 percent of sponsorship funds directly supporting charter schools.

Requires charter schools to include comprehensive accountability plans with specific performance indicators, measures, and targets for academic and operational performance in their charters.

Allows alternative credit arrangements for high-risk and alternative charter schools, including off-campus instruction, work experience internships, and independent studies, with a required three-year study of student outcomes.

Creates the "School Flex Program" allowing eligible grades 11-12 students (ages 17-21) without high school degrees to attend school minimum two hours daily while pursuing college, technical training, or employment, counting as full-time students for funding purposes.