SD SB218

Establishes charter schools in South Dakota as public schools operated by nonprofit corporations under contract with either a local school district board or the Department of Education, with initial 5-year contract terms and 5-year renewals

Requires charter schools to operate physical facilities for in-person instruction, be nonsectarian, comply with civil rights and safety requirements, and employ at least 75% certified teachers, while being exempt from most other state public school regulations

Mandates open enrollment with lottery-based admission when applications exceed capacity, with priority given to siblings of enrolled students and students at risk of academic failure

Funds charter schools through the host school district at the per-student equivalent rate, including state aid, local tax receipts, and special education funding, with authorizing entities permitted to charge up to 3% administrative fees

Requires annual performance reporting to the Department of Education and Legislature, annual audits by authorizing entities, and allows contract revocation or non-renewal for material breaches, failure to meet performance standards, or fiscal mismanagement