SB0144: SCHOOL CODE-CHARTER SCHOOLS

Legislative Summary

Amends the School Code. Provides that for charter schools located in the Chicago school district, if a charter school proposes to close one or more campuses during the term of its contract, then (i) the charter school shall announce the proposal no later than September 1 of the year prior to the effective date of the closure, (ii) the charter school is subject to specified procedures in the Chicago School District Article, and (iii) the school board retains authority to approve or deny the closure. Provides that if the school board approves the closure, the governing body of the charter school shall work collaboratively with the school board, educators, and the families of students attending the campus of the charter school that is the subject of the closure to ensure successful integration of affected students into new learning environments. Provides that affected students who reside in the district shall be guaranteed a seat at a district school. Provides that upon the closing of a charter school located in the Chicago school district, the charter school's licensed teachers shall be guaranteed a similar position for which they are qualified at a district school with full recognition of prior service if they choose to work in the district. Provides that teachers in the closed charter school without an educator license shall be provided a pathway to a short-term license and preference in receiving a job at a district school.