Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/969549
Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose) is author of SB 1362, which permits school boards to consider economic impact in deter- mining whether to approve or deny a new charter school petition, and ensures students with disabilities have equal access to charter schools. Charters divert funds from public schools, often resulting in cuts to essential programs and services, including special education. AB 1871: Equity and Student Access at Charter Schools Assembly Member Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) is author of AB 1871, which ensures that charter school students have access to at least one free or reduced- price school meal each school day. According to California Food Policy Advocates, more than 81,000 low-income students in the state currently attend charter schools that do not offer free and reduced- price school meals — a hardship for their families. AB 276: Accountability and Transparency at Charter Schools Assembly Member Jose Medina (D-Riverside) is author of AB 276, which expressly states that charter schools and the entities manag- ing charter schools are subject to the Brown Act (open meetings), Public Records Act (open books), and two laws preventing conflicts of interest, the Political Reform Act of 1974 and Government Code 1090. More than $149 million of public funds in California's charter school environment has been misused, according to a March 2018 report by In the Public Interest. Charters should be subject to the same accountability and transparency as public schools. Legislative Update CTA is co-sponsor of three charter bills currently before the state Legislature For updated information and details on CTA's positions about these and other relevant bills, see cta.org/legislation. State Sen. Jim Beall speaks at a press conference at the State Capitol March 14, flanked by East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) and San Francisco Unified School District students, educators, parents and administrators. The group lobbied lawmakers and urged the State Board of Education to deny a charter school appeal, which had already been rejected by ESUHSD. If passed, SB 1362 would ensure that local school boards can decide what is best for their students and schools. SB 1362: Local Control at Charter Schools 47 A P R I L / M AY 2 018 A