Laws + Regulations

Charter schools can innovate because they have more flexibility and autonomy than traditional public schools. At the same time, they remain closely regulated entities that use public resources to serve public school students. Charter schools must comply with New York State Charter Schools Act of 1998 (as amended), as well as many state and federal laws and regulations.

Charter School Legal Guidance and Resources.

2019-20 New York State Budget and Charter Schools

New York State's 2019-20 budget includes several budgetary items and a legislative amendment affecting charter schools in New York City. This memo provides details on increases in per-pupil funding and legislation pertaining to the definition of the roles and responsibilities of school security personnel.

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Resources

In this legal update, the Charter Center’s General Counsel & Vice President of Legal Policy, explains the outcome and impact of Success Academy’s case to secure charter schools’ operational freedom from the NYC DOE when offering Pre-K.

New York State’s 2018-19 budget includes several budgetary items and a legislative amendment affecting charter schools in New York City. This memo provides details on increases in per pupil funding and legislation pertaining ending lunch shaming.

As part of the agreement to extend mayoral control in New York City for two years, the Charter Center has detailed the provisions and commitments by the State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education that will affect charter schools in New York City.

In this quarterly legal update, the Charter Center’s Director of Legal Affairs looks at two cases that: examine what constitutes adequate space under the 2014 Facilities Access Legislation and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding students with disabilities and their rights under the IDEA.

New York State’s 2017-18 budget includes two significant legislative changes affecting charter schools in New York City regarding changes to the per pupil funding formula and an increase in rental assistance. The Charter Center has drafted a memo to help schools understand how this legislation impacts their work.

The Charter Center created a short guide to the basic procedural requirements for due process when suspending or expelling a student, including checklists of elements that must be included to ensure students and families are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The Charter Center has developed an English Language Learner (ELL) Legal FAQ to address enrolling, identifying, and serving ELLs. This resource provides guidance to ensure that charter schools are providing instructional programs and parent communications for ELL families that are in compliance with federal laws.

The Charter Center is committed to helping existing and prospective charter schools succeed in this ever-changing environment. Please bookmark this page and check back frequently for updates.

New York State budget for 2016-17 contains two legislative changes affecting New York City charter schools. The Charter Center drafted a memo to help schools understand how the legislation impacts their work surrounding grant assistance funding and the simplification of the rental assistance program.

On June 26, 2015, the Senate and Assembly passed new legislation regarding New York City charter schools. The Charter Center drafted a detailed memo to help schools understand how the legislation impacts their work surrounding charter cap restrictions, teacher qualification flexibility and permissive enrollment preference.

Charter schools have greater autonomy than district schools, but are held strictly accountable for academic performance and for compliance with laws and regulations that protect students and taxpayers.