LAC 28:CXXXIX.511. Application Process for BESE-Authorized Charter Schools

A. Application Cycle 1. All type 2, type 4, and type 5 charter applications will be received, reviewed, and approved pursuant to a charter application cycle. 2. Type 2, type 4, and type 5 charter applications must be submitted in accordance with a charter application cycle to be considered by BESE. 3. BESE shall approve at least one charter application cycle per year for the submission of type 2, type 4, and type 5 charter school applications. 4. The department may extend approval cycles, provide for additional cycles, or establish a continuous cycle for the submission of type 2, type 4, and type 5 charter school applications, and shall notify BESE of any such changes. B. Competitive Process 1. The charter application process shall be a competitive process whereby any entity meeting eligibility requirements may be approved. 2. The charter application shall be in the form of a request for applications. 3. The release of a request for applications must include: a. public notice; b. notice to national, regional, and state organizations that support charter schools; and c. notice to all known interested parties. 4. BESE, as the authorizer of type 2, type 4, and type 5 charter schools, shall make public through the BESE website, and in printed form upon request, the guidelines for submitting a charter proposal, all forms required for submission of a charter proposal, the timelines established for accepting and reviewing charter proposals, the process used to review charter proposals submitted to BESE, and the name and contact information for a primary point of contact for charter proposals. 5. Charter Applicant Orientation. The department shall provide an orientation session for interested applicants prior to full application submission. The orientation shall provide applicants a clear understanding of the application process, expectations for high-quality applications, evaluation criteria, and authorizer expectations upon approval.