Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-19.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 281-19.5 - [Effective 11/6/2024] General application provisions

The following general application provisions apply to both the school board-state board and founding group-state board charter establishment models.

(1)Instructions. The instructions for completing an application includes or otherwise informs applicants of the content listed in Iowa Code sections 256E.4(3) and 256E.5(3).

(2)Review. In reviewing and evaluating charter school applications, the state board employs procedures, practices, and criteria consistent with nationally recognized principles and standards for reviewing charter school applications. Each application review includes:

a. A thorough evaluation of the written application.

b. An in-person interview with the founding group.

c. An opportunity in a public forum for local residents to learn about and provide input on each application.

(3)State board actions following review. Following review of a charter school application and completion of the process under subrule 19.5(2), the state board does all of the following:

a. Approves a charter school application only if the founding group has demonstrated competence in each element of the approval criteria and if the founding group is likely to open and operate a successful charter school.

b. Makes application decisions on documented evidence collected through the application review process.

c. Adheres to the policies and criteria that are transparent, are based on merit, and avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance thereof.

(4)Application approval. The state board approves a charter school application if the application satisfies this division.

a. The state board will approve or deny a charter school application no later than 75 calendar days after the application is received.

b. If the state board denies an application, the state board will provide notice of denial to the founding group in writing within 30 days after the state board's action, specifying the exact reasons for denial and providing documentation supporting those reasons.

c. An approval decision may include, if appropriate, reasonable conditions that the founding group meet before a charter school contract may be executed pursuant to Iowa Code section 256E.6.

d. An approved charter application does not serve as a charter school contract.

e. A decision of the state board relating to an application under this rule is not appealable.

f. An unsuccessful applicant under this rule may subsequently reapply to the state board.

(5)Application deadlines and timelines. Applications submitted to the state board on or before November 1 of the preceding school year will be considered for approval for the establishment of the charter school for the next school year.

(6)Sample applications and contracts. The department or the state board may prepare sample or template applications and contracts for the convenience of future applicants. Use of these samples or templates is encouraged.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-19.5

Adopted by IAB December 15, 2021/Volume XLIV, Number 12, effective 1/19/2022

Adopted by IAB October 2, 2024/Volume XLVII, Number 6, effective 11/6/2024