North Dakota charter schools serve students under state agreements

A school’s governing board and the superintendent of public instruction sign an agreement setting the school’s expectations and responsibilities. A public charter school is a public school serving one or more grades from kindergarten through grade twelve. It must meet state standards and operate in person. The school cannot open until the agreement is signed and approved at a public meeting.

The superintendent reviews applications, monitors schools, and may renew or revoke their agreements. The superintendent evaluates applications and checks each operating charter school’s performance and compliance with the law and its agreement. The superintendent must give a school a reasonable chance to fix problems after notice. A public meeting must happen before revocation unless continued operation presents an immediate public safety issue. Within three years after approving the first charter school, the superintendent must report on schools, applications, oversight, fees, and oversight costs to legislative management.

The state pays charter schools based on enrollment and sends them a share of eligible state and federal aid; the superintendent may charge an oversight fee. A school receives categorical aid only for students or teachers eligible for that aid and must follow related reporting rules. The oversight fee may be up to three percent of each school’s annual per-student allocation. Special education services are funded within the limits of legislative appropriations.