MO SB1090

Beginning August 28, 2026, new charter schools in Missouri must obtain a certificate of need from the State Board of Education before operating; existing charter schools, renewals, sponsorship transfers, and grade-level additions at the same location are exempt

Certificate of need applications must be submitted by the local school district governing board or city/county governing body, certifying that consumer demand exceeds supply and sufficient economies of scale exist for the charter school to succeed without harming the district

Applications must demonstrate the proposed charter school is likely to alleviate economic and racial inequities, improve academic achievement, reduce student-teacher ratios, and avoid duplicating existing services

The State Board of Education must approve or disapprove applications within 120 calendar days; disapproved applications must include written documentation of reasons for denial

Applicants whose certificates are denied may reapply no sooner than one year after the disapproval date