Charter schools are public schools that offer students greater flexibility and choice in learning from the traditional public school structure. By removing the shackles of bureaucracy from the public charter schools, teachers and administrators are free to use their imagination and innovation to reach children where they are.

SB 2664 provides for two types of public charter schools in Mississippi. The first type of charter is a conversion charter school – a public school that converts to operate under a charter granted by the State Board of Education. The second type of charter is an open enrollment public charter – a public school operating by either the State Board of Education or a local school board that may draw students from across school district lines.

Under SB 2664 initial conversion and public charters are granted for three years at which time the charter would be reviewed for progress and academic achievement. It also provides for the funding mechanism of both varieties of charter schools created by the law. SB 2664 addresses transportation issues and accountability measures, and it extends the repealer on charter school law until 2020.

“I appreciate the hard work and dedication to public education of Chairman Videt Carmichael and freshman Sen. Michael Watson,” stated Lt. Governor Phil Bryant. “Public charter schools are accountable, innovative, and encourage community and parent involvement. They also stimulate improvement by creating competition in failing school districts. Our kids deserve better opportunities to learn and public charter schools can help bridge that learning gap. ”

SB 2664 now heads to the Mississippi House of Representatives for consideration, Mississippi’s charter school law sunsets July 1, 2009 without action by the Legislature.

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