LAC 28:CXXXIX.521. Charter School Replication for BESE-Authorized Charter Schools (Formerly §523)

A. A charter operator may open and operate up to two additional charter schools without making a formal application to BESE: 1. the average of the school performance scores of all Louisiana charter schools operated by the charter operator is equivalent to a letter grade of “B” or higher for the previous three school years; and 2. the average progress index of all Louisiana charter schools operated by the charter operator is equivalent to a letter grade of “A” for the previous three school years; 3. all BESE-authorized charter schools operated by the charter operator have earned designations of “Meets All Expectations” or “Meets Most Expectations” for financial and organizational performance as provided for in the charter school performance compact in each of the previous three years of operation. B. If the charter operator contracts with a management organization, the state superintendent may consider all charter schools operating in Louisiana affiliated with the management organization in determining whether or not the charter operator meets the academic requirements above. C. The new charter schools must serve the same grade levels and enrollment boundaries as one of the operator’s charter schools currently in operation that meets the eligibility criteria outlined above. D. The type of charter schools the charter operator may open shall be determined as follows. Charter School Meeting Eligibility Requirements | Permitted New Types of Charter Schools Type 2 | New Type 2; May be a Type 2 conversion charter school upon receiving approval from the professional faculty, staff, and parents or guardians of the pre-existing school, as required in §507, and meeting the other eligibility requirements to apply for a Type 2 in §503; May be a Type 5 subject to approval by the RSD to transform a school under the jurisdiction of the RSD Type 4 Type 5 | New Type 2, subject to the approval of the state superintendent; May be a Type 2 conversion charter school upon receiving approval from the professional faculty, staff, and parents or guardians of the pre-existing school, as required in §507, and meeting the other eligibility requirements to apply for a Type 2 in §503; May be a Type 5 subject to approval by the RSD to transform a school under the jurisdiction of the RSD E. The charter operator shall notify BESE of its intent to open one or two additional charter schools pursuant to this Section at least 120 calendar days prior to the day on which each additional school shall enroll students. F. At least 90 calendar days prior to the day on which each additional school shall enroll students, BESE shall enter into a charter agreement with the chartering operator for each additional school and shall notify BESE of its action. G. The charter operator must complete all processes and required by law and BESE policy to open a school, including, but not limited to the procurement of all required permits, inspections and approvals necessary to safeguard student safety and welfare.