U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, Cory Booker, and Michael Bennet have introduced the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act. This proposed legislation aims to authorize existing federal funding to help states streamline the application process for opening new charter schools.
"When starting a new charter school, knowing from experience how to help a child succeed is invaluable. Teachers have that expertise," stated Dr. Cassidy. "This bill gives teachers the resources to create their own charter schools and continue to provide a better future for our children."
Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of making the application process more efficient: "Charter schools are an important part of America’s education system, but the process to start one is often bogged down by red tape. This legislation would make the application process more efficient for teachers, school administrators, and nonprofits interested in opening a charter school and help give parents more choices for their children’s education."
Senator Bennet highlighted the need for flexibility in education: "Every student deserves the opportunity to attend a school that equips them with the skills and high-quality education they need to succeed in today’s economy. Charter schools provide flexibility and innovative educational opportunities for students across Colorado, but too often, they run into burdensome red tape and regulations from the federal government. This bill would ensure that charter schools can access federal grants and reach more families in underserved communities."
The Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act proposes several measures:
- Authorize state entities receiving Federal Charter Schools Programs (CSP) grants to make pre-planning awards up to $100,000.
- Allow state entities to use up to 5% of their grant funds for pre-planning awards.
- Increase caps on grant funds used for technical assistance from 7% to 10%, and state administration from 3% to 5%.
- Clarify that states' technical assistance activities may include help in locating facilities.
The legislation has received endorsements from organizations such as the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, National Associations of Charter School Authorizers, KIPP Public Schools, and Center for Learner Equity.
