SB 782 Summary

• Expands authorized charter school sponsors to include the State Board of Education when applicants are denied by local districts, with limits of five new charters per year in counties under 500,000 population for five years

• Requires non-school-district sponsors to prioritize charter schools serving at-risk students and applicants with demonstrated records of academic success and organizational viability

• Establishes detailed charter application requirements including 35 specific components covering mission, finances, staffing, curriculum, facilities, and operational procedures

• Creates performance frameworks based on student academic proficiency and growth, attendance, graduation rates, financial sustainability, and governing board compliance; limits data requests to metrics sponsors produce for all schools

• Authorizes State Board of Education to identify and close charter schools ranked in bottom 5% of public schools at renewal, with process for sponsor appeal and potential consequences including loss of chartering authority