This week in the Utah Legislative Session. Discussion with Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) includes the following:

• HB 193 All Day Kindergarten: requirement will be to offer all-day kindergarten option by 2024
  • Charters schools looking to implement before 2 year should contact SCSB (or authorizer) for OEK funding options
  • One time funding may be available for building adjustments
  • Charter schools may still offer half day options
• HB 211-School Fees
  • Curricular fees and exceptions/funding discussed
• HB 265 Charter School Renewals-most likely will not pass
• SB 191 Innovation School Initiative
  • New bill to help schools try innovative programs
• Funding
  • Appropriations prioritized $4M to cover 1 year lag of the LRF ~$50/student
  • Charter school base funding approved one-time, need to work on details to be ongoing
  • WPU increase 5%
  • LRF increase 7%
• SB 114 Sub. 2 Curriculum Transparency
  • Need to have 2 public meetings when curriculum is approved by board
  • Need to have policy on how to add supplemental materials

Contact Royce at royce@utahcharters.org with any comments/concerns about bills.
See www.utahcharters.org/legislative-updates for Watchlist of bills (under Advocacy tab).