ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
charter schools;
temporary moratorium
Prohibits charter school sponsors from approving new charter schools or increasing enrollment at existing charter schools during FY 2002-2003 and requires the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) staff to present a summary of the cost savings related to this act to the JLBC by December 31, 2002.
In 1994, charter schools were authorized in Arizona. Charter schools are public schools created by contract between a sponsor and a public or private organization or individual. Charter schools may obtain sponsorship from the State Board for Charter Schools, the State Board of Education or a local school district governing board. The contract, or charter, between the sponsor and the charter school must include specific information regarding the charter school’s operations and must ensure its compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. The sponsoring entity has oversight and administrative responsibility for the charter schools it sponsors.
Currently, Basic State Aid for a charter school pupil is approximately $4,800 per year. Basic State Aid for a school district pupil is approximately $4,300 per year. There are approximately 893,522 pupils enrolled in Arizona charter schools. The following chart shows the total enrollment in charter schools sponsored over the past three years, according to the Annual Reports of the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction for FY 1998 through FY 2001:
|
Fiscal Year |
Total enrollment |
Enrollment Increase |
Percent Increase |
|
1998-1999 |
844,073 |
----------- |
----------- |
|
1999-2000 |
872,445 |
28,372 |
3.4 |
|
2000-2001 |
893,522 |
21,077 |
2.4 |
S.B.1322 suspends the establishment of new charter schools or increased enrollment at existing charter schools during FY 2002-2003. The potential positive impact to the state general fund is unknown at this time. A JLBC fiscal note has been requested.
1. Prohibits the State Board of Education, the State Board for Charter Schools and school districts from approving new charter schools or increasing enrollment in existing charter schools during FY 2002-2003.
2. Requires, by December 1, 2002, the JLBC staff to prepare an estimate of the cost savings resulting from this act. Requires the JLBC staff to present a summary of the estimate to the JLBC by December 31, 2002.
3. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
February 8, 2002