State Policy Options for Creating Charter Districts. The Nuts & Bolts of Charter Districts

This brief paper suggests that state leaders create charter districts in which all or most schools are charter or contract schools. Such districts, according to the paper, would help policymakers create school systems that focus on student achievement and provide high-quality choices to students and parents. The paper examines why charter districts are an option for state leaders and details policies they can create to establish charter districts. It presents its case through nine policy questions: (1) Should the policy create new districts or convert existing districts to charter districts? (2) What should be the policy's goal? (3) Should the policy include an application process? (4) How should the policy define the responsibilities of local school boards, superintendents, and schools? (5) How should the policy address collective bargaining agreements? (6) How should the policy define the responsibilities of the state board of education, chief state school officer, and state department of education? (7) How should the policy address waivers of certain laws and regulations that may hinder effective operation of a charter district? (8) How should the policy address the accountability of a charter district? (9) How should the policy address the funding of a charter district? (WFA)