OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education has initiated the process of implementing a framework for the state’s first public charter schools.

The Board’s work with public charter schools began with the apparent passage of Initiative 1240. Though the results are not yet final, the ‘yes’ vote leads by approximately 45,000 votes. The final results may not be official until December 6th, the last day results can be certified by the Secretary of State.

Assuming approval, the State Board of Education will work closely with the new Washington State Charter School Commission to oversee up to 40 new public charter schools. The State Board is also responsible for submitting annual charter school performance reviews to the Governor and Legislature, as well as an analysis of the public charter schools program five years after its induction.

Initiative 1240 calls for the State Board of Education to work with local school districts who wish to authorize a charter school. Charter school authorizers must apply to the State Board for license and must also submit annual reports to the Board evaluating charter schools’ performance under contract.

By March of 2013, the State Board will establish an annual application and approval process and timelines for local school boards seeking approval to be charter school authorizers. The Board will hold a public hearing on proposed rules in February of 2013.

More information on charter schools is available at www.sbe.wa.gov/node/58.

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Contact: Aaron Wyatt, Communications and Partnerships Director

About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The board is comprised of 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member.

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