SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a plan to establish a pilot program for local school charter authorization.
“Accountability should be at the forefront when making decisions about students’ education,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Having educational decision makers with their ears to the ground will allow them to better advocate for students’ needs.”
The vast majority of charter schools in Illinois are locally authorized – meaning they apply directly for authorization with their local school board. State-authorized charter schools apply for authorization through the Illinois State Board of Education rather than their local school board. Because current law does not allow school board oversight of state-authorized charter schools, Castro’s legislation aims to create a pilot program to provide this mechanism for two suburban state-authorized charter schools.
Senate Bill 4040 would establish a local charter authorization pilot program, which would return control of two schools – Elgin Math and Science Academy and Prairie Crossing Charter School – to the school boards covering those districts. Any revocation of charter school contracts made by the local school board would have a path to be appealed through the Illinois State Board of Education.
This bill is intended to promote collaboration between charter schools and school boards, creating greater oversight in charter school education and providing increased feedback opportunities from families and community members that reside within those local school districts.
“Giving local school boards and districts a seat at the table promotes progress,” said Castro. “We need transparency and accountability to ensure every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities.”
Senate Bill 4040 passed the Senate on Thursday.
