NC H618

Converts the Charter Schools Advisory Board into the Charter Schools Review Board with expanded authority to approve, renew, and revoke charter applications directly rather than making recommendations to the State Board of Education.

Shifts charter approval decision-making power from the State Board of Education to the Review Board, with the State Board retaining authority over rulemaking, funding, and appeals.

Creates a right of appeal to the State Board of Education for applicants, charter schools, or the State Superintendent within 10 days of a Review Board decision, with the State Board conducting de novo review and issuing decisions within 60 days.

Maintains the Review Board's 11-member composition appointed by the General Assembly leadership and State Board of Education, requiring members to have expertise in governance, finance, assessment, curriculum, and charter school operations.

Establishes fast-track replication timelines requiring Review Board decisions within 120 days of application submission and October 15 deadlines for school openings, with appeals decided by December 1.