SB 637 Summary

• Repeals and replaces sections 160.400, 160.405, and 160.417 relating to Missouri charter schools, establishing new requirements for charter school operation, sponsorship, and accountability.

• Charter schools may operate in metropolitan districts, urban districts with population over 350,000, unaccredited districts, provisionally accredited districts meeting specified conditions, and fully accredited districts (sponsored only by local school boards with enrollment caps).

• Expands eligible sponsors to include public and private colleges/universities with approved teacher education programs, community colleges, and the Missouri charter public school commission, while requiring sponsors to expend at least 90% of sponsorship funds directly on charter school support.

• Establishes stricter performance standards requiring charter renewal based on academic performance meeting district standards in three of four years, fiscal viability with minimum 3% fund balance, and compliance with performance contracts; allows charter revocation for underperformance or legal violations.

• Implements financial stress monitoring procedures requiring charter schools to submit budget and education plans when experiencing financial difficulties, with the department authorized to withhold payments until compliance is achieved.