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TEXT OF ACT 22 OF 1997
                         (Senate Bill 123)-21 pages

                         CHARTER SCHOOLS

   INTRODUCED BY MOWERY, SALVATORE, HART, TOMLINSON, JUBELIRER, AFFLERBACH,
   THOMPSON, MUSTO, KASUNIC, RHOADES, HELFRICK, DELP AND PICCOLA,
   JANUARY 21, 1997

          SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE AMENDMENTS, JUNE 11, 1997

                                AN ACT

       AMENDING THE ACT OF MARCH 10, 1949 (P.L.30, NO.14), ENTITLED "AN  <--
          ACT RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, INCLUDING CERTAIN
          PROVISIONS APPLICABLE AS WELL TO PRIVATE AND PAROCHIAL
          SCHOOLS; AMENDING, REVISING, CONSOLIDATING AND CHANGING THE
          LAWS RELATING THERETO," PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
          CHARTER SCHOOLS; PROVIDING FOR POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE
          SECRETARY OF EDUCATION; ESTABLISHING AN APPEALS PROCESS AND A
          STATE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL BOARD; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENTS TO
          CHARTER SCHOOLS; REQUIRING CERTAIN REPORTS AND
          RECOMMENDATIONS; PROVIDING FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY RELATING
          TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PENNSYLVANIA SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP
          PROGRAM; AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS.

     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts
as follows:

           SECTION 1.  THE ACT OF MARCH 10, 1949 (P.L.30, NO.14), KNOWN   <--
        AS THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949, IS AMENDED BY ADDING AN
        ARTICLE TO READ:
                                ARTICLE XVII-A.
                               CHARTER SCHOOLS.
                         (A)  PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS.

          SECTION 1701-A.  SHORT TITLE.--THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE KNOWN
         AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "CHARTER SCHOOL LAW."
          SECTION 1702-A.  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.--IT IS THE INTENT OF THE
         GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN ENACTING THIS ARTICLE, TO PROVIDE PUPILS
         AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN SCHOOLS THAT
         OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY FROM THE EXISTING SCHOOL DISTRICT
         STRUCTURE, AS A METHOD TO ACCOMPLISH ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
            (1)  IMPROVE PUPIL LEARNING.
            (2)  INCREASE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PUPILS.
            (3)  ENCOURAGE THE USE OF DIFFERENT AND INNOVATIVE TEACHING
         METHODS.
            (4)  CREATE NEW PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS,
         INCLUDING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEARNING
         PROGRAM AT THE SCHOOL SITE.
            (5)  PROVIDE PARENTS AND PUPILS WITH EXPANDED CHOICES IN THE
         TYPES OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE
         PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.
           (6)  HOLD THE SCHOOLS ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS ACT ACCOUNTABLE
         FOR MEETING MEASURABLE ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PROVIDE THE SCHOOL
         WITH A METHOD TO ESTABLISH ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEMS.
           SECTION 1703-A.  DEFINITIONS.--AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE,
           "APPEAL BOARD" SHALL MEAN THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL
        BOARD ESTABLISHED BY THIS ARTICLE.
           "CHARTER SCHOOL" SHALL MEAN AN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOL
        ESTABLISHED AND OPERATED UNDER A CHARTER FROM THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS AND IN WHICH STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED OR ATTEND. A
        CHARTER SCHOOL MUST BE ORGANIZED AS A PUBLIC, NONPROFIT
        CORPORATION. CHARTERS MAY NOT BE GRANTED TO ANY FOR-PROFIT
        ENTITY.
          "DEPARTMENT" SHALL MEAN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE
        COMMONWEALTH.
            "LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS" SHALL MEAN THE BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH A PROPOSED OR AN
        APPROVED CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED.
           "REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL" SHALL MEAN AN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC
        SCHOOL ESTABLISHED AND OPERATED UNDER A CHARTER FROM MORE THAN
        ONE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS AND IN WHICH STUDENTS ARE
        ENROLLED OR ATTEND. A REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL MUST BE ORGANIZED
        AS A PUBLIC, NONPROFIT CORPORATION. CHARTERS MAY NOT BE GRANTED
        TO ANY FOR-PROFIT ENTITY.
          "SCHOOL ENTITY" SHALL MEAN A SCHOOL DISTRICT, INTERMEDIATE
        UNIT, JOINT SCHOOL OR AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
          "SECRETARY" SHALL MEAN THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION OF THE
        COMMONWEALTH.
           "STATE BOARD" SHALL MEAN THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE
         COMMONWEALTH.

                          (B)  CHARTER SCHOOLS.

            SECTION 1714-A.  POWERS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS.--(A)  A CHARTER
        SCHOOL ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS ACT IS A BODY CORPORATE AND SHALL
        HAVE ALL POWERS NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE FOR CARRYING OUT ITS
        CHARTER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE POWER TO:
            (1)  ADOPT A NAME AND CORPORATE SEAL; HOWEVER, ANY NAME
        SELECTED SHALL INCLUDE THE WORDS "CHARTER SCHOOL."
            (2)  SUE AND BE SUED, BUT ONLY TO THE SAME EXTENT AND UPON
        THE SAME CONDITION THAT POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND LOCAL
        AGENCIES CAN BE SUED.
            (3)  ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY FROM PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SOURCES BY
        PURCHASE, LEASE, LEASE WITH AN OPTION TO PURCHASE OR GIFT FOR
        USE AS A CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITY.
           (4)  RECEIVE AND DISBURSE FUNDS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL PURPOSES
        ONLY.
           (5)  MAKE CONTRACTS AND LEASES FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF
        SERVICES, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES.
           (6)  INCUR TEMPORARY DEBTS IN ANTICIPATION OF THE RECEIPT OF
        FUNDS.
           (7)  SOLICIT AND ACCEPT ANY GIFTS OR GRANTS FOR CHARTER
        SCHOOL PURPOSES.
           (B)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL HAVE SUCH OTHER POWERS AS ARE
        NECESSARY TO FULFILL ITS CHARTER AND WHICH ARE NOT INCONSISTENT
        WITH THIS ARTICLE.
          SECTION 1715-A.  CHARTER SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS.--CHARTER
        SCHOOLS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING
        PROVISIONS:
           (1)  EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, A CHARTER
        SCHOOL IS EXEMPT FROM STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED IN THIS
        ACT, FROM REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD AND THE STANDARDS OF
        THE SECRETARY NOT SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
        CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM STATUTES APPLICABLE TO
        PUBLIC SCHOOLS OTHER THAN THIS ACT.
           (2)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PARENTS,
        THE PUBLIC AND THE COMMONWEALTH, WITH THE DELINEATION OF THAT
        ACCOUNTABILITY REFLECTED IN THE CHARTER. STRATEGIES FOR
        MEANINGFUL PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SHALL BE DEVELOPED
        AND IMPLEMENTED BY EACH SCHOOL.
           (3)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL NOT UNLAWFULLY DISCRIMINATE IN
        ADMISSIONS, HIRING OR OPERATION.
           (4)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE NONSECTARIAN IN ALL
        OPERATIONS.
           (5)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL NOT PROVIDE ANY RELIGIOUS
        INSTRUCTION, NOR SHALL IT DISPLAY RELIGIOUS OBJECTS AND SYMBOLS
        ON THE PREMISES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (6)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL NOT ADVOCATE UNLAWFUL BEHAVIOR.
           (7)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL ONLY BE SUBJECT TO THE LAWS AND
        REGULATIONS AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 1732-A, AS OTHERWISE
        PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ARTICLE.
           (8)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL PARTICIPATE IN THE PENNSYLVANIA
        STATE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AS PROVIDED FOR IN 22 PA. CODE CH. 5
        (RELATING TO CURRICULUM), OR SUBSEQUENT REGULATIONS PROMULGATED
        TO REPLACE 22 PA.CODE CH. 5, IN THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SCHOOL
        DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED IS SCHEDULED TO
        PARTICIPATE.
           (9)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF ONE HUNDRED
        EIGHTY (180) DAYS OF INSTRUCTION OR NINE HUNDRED (900) HOURS PER
        YEAR OF INSTRUCTION AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL, OR NINE HUNDRED
        NINETY (990) HOURS PER YEAR OF INSTRUCTION AT THE SECONDARY
        LEVEL. NOTHING IN THIS CLAUSE SHALL PRECLUDE THE USE OF COMPUTER
        AND SATELLITE LINKAGES FOR DELIVERING INSTRUCTION TO STUDENTS.
            (10)  BOARDS OF TRUSTEES AND CONTRACTORS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
        SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
        GOVERNING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION-RELATED WORK:
           (I)  THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT:
           (A)  SECTIONS 751 AND 751.1.
           (B)  SECTIONS 756 AND 757 INSOFAR AS THEY ARE CONSISTENT WITH
        THE ACT OF DECEMBER 20, 1967 (P.L.869, NO.385), KNOWN AS THE
        "PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTORS' BOND LAW OF 1967."
           (II)  SECTION 1 OF THE ACT OF MAY 1, 1913 (P.L.155, NO.104)
        ENTITLED "AN ACT REGULATING THE LETTING OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS FOR
        THE ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION, AND ALTERATION OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS."
           (III)  THE ACT OF AUGUST 11, 1961 (P.L.987, NO.442), KNOWN AS
        THE "PENNSYLVANIA PREVAILING WAGE ACT."
           (IV)  THE "PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTORS' BOND LAW OF 1967."
           (V)  THE ACT OF MARCH 3, 1978 (P.L.6, NO.3), KNOWN AS THE
        "STEEL PRODUCTS PROCUREMENT ACT".
           (11)  TRUSTEES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE PUBLIC OFFICIALS.
           SECTION 1716-A.  POWERS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.--(A)  THE BOARD
        OF TRUSTEES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO
        DECIDE MATTERS RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL,
        INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BUDGETING, CURRICULUM AND
        OPERATING PROCEDURES, SUBJECT TO THE SCHOOL'S CHARTER. THE BOARD
        SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO EMPLOY, DISCHARGE AND CONTRACT WITH
        NECESSARY PROFESSIONAL AND NONPROFESSIONAL EMPLOYES SUBJECT TO
        THE SCHOOL'S CHARTER AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
           (B)  NO MEMBER OF A LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A
        SCHOOL ENTITY SHALL SERVE ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A CHARTER
        SCHOOL THAT IS LOCATED IN THE MEMBER'S DISTRICT.
           (C)  THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL COMPLY WITH THE ACT OF JULY
        3, 1986 (P.L.388, NO.84), KNOWN AS THE "SUNSHINE ACT."
           SECTION 1717-A.  ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER SCHOOL.--(A)  A
        CHARTER SCHOOL MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY AN INDIVIDUAL; ONE OR MORE
        TEACHERS WHO WILL TEACH AT THE PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL; PARENTS
        OR GUARDIANS OF STUDENTS WHO WILL ATTEND THE CHARTER SCHOOL; ANY
        NONSECTARIAN COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OR MUSEUM LOCATED IN THIS
        COMMONWEALTH; ANY NONSECTARIAN CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT, AS
        DEFINED IN 15 PA.C.S. (RELATING TO CORPORATIONS AND
        UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS); ANY CORPORATION; ASSOCIATION;
        PARTNERSHIP; OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF. A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY BE
        ESTABLISHED BY CREATING A NEW SCHOOL OR BY CONVERTING AN
        EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL OR A PORTION OF AN EXISTING PUBLIC
        SCHOOL. NO CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE ESTABLISHED OR FUNDED BY AND
        NO CHARTER SHALL BE GRANTED TO ANY SECTARIAN SCHOOL, INSTITUTION
        OR OTHER ENTITY. NO FUNDS ALLOCATED OR DISBURSED UNDER THIS
        ARTICLE SHALL BE USED TO DIRECTLY SUPPORT INSTRUCTION PURSUANT
        TO SECTION 1327.1.
           (B)  (1)  THE CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL OR
        PORTION OF AN EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL TO A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY BE
        INITIATED BY ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY AUTHORIZED TO ESTABLISH A
        CHARTER SCHOOL UNDER SUBSECTION (A).
           (2)  IN ORDER TO CONVERT AN EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL TO A
        CHARTER SCHOOL, THE APPLICANTS MUST SHOW THAT:
           (I)  MORE THAN FIFTY PER CENTUM OF THE TEACHING STAFF IN THE
        PUBLIC SCHOOL HAVE SIGNED A PETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC
        SCHOOL BECOMING A CHARTER SCHOOL; AND
           (II)  MORE THAN FIFTY PER CENTUM OF THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS
        OF PUPILS ATTENDING THAT PUBLIC SCHOOL HAVE SIGNED A PETITION IN
        SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL BECOMING A CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (3)  IN NO EVENT SHALL THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SERVE AS
        THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF AN EXISTING SCHOOL WHICH IS CONVERTED
        TO A CHARTER SCHOOL PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION.
           (C)  AN APPLICATION TO ESTABLISH A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE
        SUBMITTED TO THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT
        WHERE THE CHARTER SCHOOL WILL BE LOCATED BY NOVEMBER 15 OF THE
        SCHOOL YEAR PRECEDING THE SCHOOL YEAR IN WHICH THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL WILL BE ESTABLISHED EXCEPT THAT FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL
        BEGINNING IN THE 1997-1998 SCHOOL YEAR, AN APPLICATION MUST BE
        RECEIVED BY JULY 15, 1997. IN THE 1997-1998 SCHOOL YEAR ONLY,
        APPLICATIONS SHALL BE LIMITED TO RECIPIENTS OF FISCAL YEAR 1996-
        1997 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CHARTER SCHOOL PLANNING GRANTS.
           (D)  WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS OF RECEIPT OF AN
        APPLICATION, THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS IN WHICH THE
        PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL IS TO BE LOCATED SHALL HOLD AT LEAST ONE
        PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER APPLICATION,
        UNDER THE ACT OF JULY 3, 1986 (P.L.388, NO.84), KNOWN AS THE
        "SUNSHINE ACT." AT LEAST FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS MUST TRANSPIRE
        BETWEEN THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING AND THE FINAL DECISION OF THE
        BOARD ON THE CHARTER APPLICATION EXCEPT THAT FOR A CHARTER
        SCHOOL BEGINNING IN THE 1997-1998 SCHOOL YEAR, ONLY THIRTY (30)
        DAYS MUST TRANSPIRE BETWEEN THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING AND THE
        FINAL DECISION OF THE BOARD.
           (E)  (1)  NOT LATER THAN SEVENTY-FIVE (75) DAYS AFTER THE
        FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION, THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS SHALL GRANT OR DENY THE APPLICATION. FOR A
        CHARTER SCHOOL BEGINNING IN THE 1997-1998 SCHOOL YEAR, THE LOCAL
        BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SHALL GRANT OR DENY THE APPLICATION NO
        LATER THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING.
           (2)  A CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION SUBMITTED UNDER THIS
        ARTICLE SHALL BE EVALUATED BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL
        DIRECTORS BASED ON CRITERIA, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
        FOLLOWING:
           (I)  THE DEMONSTRATED, SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT FOR THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL PLAN BY TEACHERS, PARENTS, OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND
        STUDENTS, INCLUDING COMMENTS RECEIVED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD
        UNDER SUBSECTION (D).
           (II)  THE CAPABILITY OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANT, IN
        TERMS OF SUPPORT AND PLANNING, TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING
        EXPERIENCES TO STUDENTS PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTED CHARTER.
           (III)  THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE APPLICATION CONSIDERS THE
        INFORMATION REQUESTED IN SECTION 1719-A AND CONFORMS TO THE
        LEGISLATIVE INTENT OUTLINED IN SECTION 1702-A.
           (IV)  THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL MAY SERVE AS A
        MODEL FOR OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
           (3)  THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS, IN THE CASE OF AN
        EXISTING SCHOOL BEING CONVERTED TO A CHARTER SCHOOL, SHALL
        ESTABLISH THE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS WHO
        CHOOSE NOT TO ATTEND THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (4)  A CHARTER APPLICATION SHALL BE DEEMED APPROVED BY THE
        LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT UPON
        AFFIRMATIVE VOTE BY A MAJORITY OF ALL THE DIRECTORS. FORMAL
        ACTION APPROVING OR DENYING THE APPLICATION SHALL BE TAKEN BY
        THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS AT A PUBLIC MEETING, WITH
        NOTICE OR CONSIDERATION OF THE APPLICATION GIVEN BY THE BOARD,
        UNDER THE "SUNSHINE ACT."
           (5)  WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE BOARD'S ACTION SHALL BE SENT TO
        THE APPLICANT, THE DEPARTMENT AND THE APPEAL BOARD. IF THE
        APPLICATION IS DENIED, THE REASONS FOR THE DENIAL INCLUDING A
        DESCRIPTION OF DEFICIENCIES IN THE APPLICATION SHALL BE CLEARLY
        STATED IN THE NOTICE SENT BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
        TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANT.
           (F)  AT THE OPTION OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANT A DENIED
        APPLICATION MAY BE REVISED AND RESUBMITTED TO THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS. FOLLOWING THE APPOINTMENT AND CONFIRMATION OF
        THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL BOARD UNDER SECTION 1721-A, THE
        DECISION OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MAY BE APPEALED
        TO THE APPEAL BOARD. WHEN AN APPLICATION IS REVISED AND
        RESUBMITTED TO THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS, THE BOARD
        MAY SCHEDULE ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE REVISED
        APPLICATION. THE BOARD SHALL CONSIDER THE REVISED AND
        RESUBMITTED APPLICATION AT THE FIRST BOARD MEETING OCCURRING AT
        LEAST FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE REVISED
        APPLICATION BY THE BOARD. FOR A REVISED APPLICATION RESUBMITTED
        FOR THE 1997-1998 SCHOOL YEAR, THE BOARD SHALL CONSIDER THE
        APPLICATION AT THE FIRST BOARD MEETING OCCURRING AT LEAST THIRTY
        (30) DAYS AFTER ITS RECEIPT. THE BOARD SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE OF
        CONSIDERATION OF THE REVISED APPLICATION UNDER THE "SUNSHINE
        ACT." NO APPEAL FROM A DECISION OF A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MAY BE
        TAKEN UNTIL JULY 1, 1999.
           (G)  NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (E)(5),
        FAILURE BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING
        AND TO GRANT OR DENY THE APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL WITHIN
        THE TIME PERIODS SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTIONS (D), (E) AND (F) SHALL
        PERMIT THE APPLICANT FOR A CHARTER TO FILE ITS APPLICATION AS AN
        APPEAL TO THE APPEAL BOARD. IN SUCH CASE, THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL
        REVIEW THE APPLICATION AND MAKE A DECISION TO GRANT OR DENY A
        CHARTER BASED ON THE CRITERIA ESTABLISHED IN SUBSECTION (E)(2).
           (H)  IN THE CASE OF A REVIEW BY THE APPEAL BOARD OF AN
        APPLICATION THAT IS REVOKED OR IS NOT RENEWED THE APPEAL BOARD
        SHALL MAKE ITS DECISION BASED ON THE CRITERIA ESTABLISHED IN
        SUBSECTION (E)(2). A DECISION BY THE APPEAL BOARD UNDER THIS
        SUBSECTION OR SUBSECTION (G) TO GRANT, TO RENEW OR NOT TO REVOKE
        A CHARTER SHALL SERVE AS A REQUIREMENT FOR THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AS
        APPROPRIATE, TO SIGN THE WRITTEN CHARTER OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL
        AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 1720-A. SHOULD THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS FAIL TO GRANT THE APPLICATION AND SIGN THE CHARTER
        WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF NOTICE OF REVERSAL OF THE DECISION OF
        THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE CHARTER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE
        APPROVED AND SHALL BE SIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPEAL
        BOARD.
           (I)  (1)  THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE REVIEW OF
        AN APPEAL BY A CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANT, OR BY THE BOARD OF
        TRUSTEES OF AN EXISTING CHARTER SCHOOL, OF A DECISION MADE BY A
        LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOT TO GRANT A CHARTER AS PROVIDED IN
        THIS SECTION.
           (2)  IN ORDER FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANT TO BE ELIGIBLE
        TO APPEAL THE DENIAL OF A CHARTER BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS, THE APPLICANT MUST OBTAIN THE SIGNATURES OF AT LEAST
        TWO PER CENTUM OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OR OF ONE
        THOUSAND (1,000) RESIDENTS, WHICHEVER IS LESS, WHO ARE OVER
        EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE. FOR A REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL, THE
        APPLICANT MUST OBTAIN THE SIGNATURES OF AT LEAST TWO PER CENTUM
        OF THE RESIDENTS OF EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT GRANTING THE CHARTER OR
        OF ONE THOUSAND (1,000) RESIDENTS FROM EACH OF THE SCHOOL
        DISTRICTS GRANTING THE CHARTER, WHICHEVER IS LESS, WHO ARE OVER
        EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE. THE SIGNATURES SHALL BE OBTAINED
        WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS OF THE DENIAL OF THE APPLICATION BY THE
        LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE (3).
           (3)  EACH PERSON SIGNING A PETITION TO APPEAL DENIAL OF A
        CHARTER UNDER CLAUSE (2) SHALL DECLARE THAT HE OR SHE IS A
        RESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WHICH DENIED THE CHARTER
        APPLICATION AND SHALL INCLUDE HIS OR HER PRINTED NAME;
        SIGNATURE; ADDRESS, INCLUDING CITY, BOROUGH OR TOWNSHIP, WITH
        STREET AND NUMBER, IF ANY; AND THE DATE OF SIGNING. ALL PAGES
        SHALL BE BOUND TOGETHER. ADDITIONAL PAGES OF THE PETITION SHALL
        BE NUMBERED CONSECUTIVELY. THERE SHALL BE APPENDED TO THE
        PETITION A STATEMENT THAT THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS REJECTED
        THE PETITION FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL, THE NAMES OF ALL APPLICANTS
        FOR THE CHARTER, THE DATE OF DENIAL BY THE BOARD AND THE
        PROPOSED LOCATION OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL. NO RESIDENT MAY SIGN
        MORE THAN ONE PETITION RELATING TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL
        APPLICATION WITHIN THE SIXTY (60) DAYS FOLLOWING DENIAL OF THE
        APPLICATION. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP A FORM TO BE USED TO
        PETITION FOR AN APPEAL.
          (4)  EACH PETITION SHALL HAVE APPENDED THERETO THE AFFIDAVIT
        OF SOME PERSON, NOT NECESSARILY A SIGNER, SETTING FORTH ALL OF
        THE FOLLOWING:
          (I)  THAT THE AFFIANT IS A RESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
        REFERRED TO IN THE PETITION.
          (II)  THE AFFIANT'S RESIDENCE, GIVING CITY, BOROUGH OR
        TOWNSHIP, WITH STREET AND NUMBER, IF ANY.
          (III)  THAT THE SIGNERS SIGNED WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE
        PURPOSE OF THE PETITION.
          (IV)  THAT THE SIGNERS' RESPECTIVE RESIDENCES ARE CORRECTLY
        STATED IN THE PETITION.
          (V)  THAT THE SIGNERS ALL RESIDE IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
          (VI)  THAT EACH SIGNER SIGNED ON THE DATE SET FORTH OPPOSITE
        THE SIGNER'S NAME.
          (VII)  THAT, TO THE BEST OF THE AFFIANT'S KNOWLEDGE AND
        BELIEF, THE SIGNERS ARE RESIDENTS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
           (5)  IF THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF SIGNATURES ARE OBTAINED WITHIN
        SIXTY (60) DAYS OF THE DENIAL OF THE APPLICATION, THE APPLICANT
        MAY PRESENT THE PETITION TO THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE
        COUNTY IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL WOULD BE SITUATED. THE COURT
        SHALL HOLD A HEARING ONLY ON THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE PETITION.
        THE APPLICANT AND LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SHALL BE GIVEN
        SEVEN (7) DAYS' NOTICE OF THE HEARING. THE COURT SHALL ISSUE A
        DECREE ESTABLISHING THE SUFFICIENCY OR INSUFFICIENCY OF THE
        PETITION. IF THE PETITION IS SUFFICIENT, THE DECREE SHALL BE
        TRANSMITTED TO THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL BOARD FOR REVIEW
        IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION. NOTIFICATION OF THE DECREE
        SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE APPLICANT AND THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS.
           (6)  IN ANY APPEAL, THE DECISION MADE BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS SHALL BE REVIEWED BY THE APPEAL BOARD ON THE RECORD AS
        CERTIFIED BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE APPEAL BOARD
        SHALL GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO THE FINDINGS OF THE LOCAL BOARD
        OF DIRECTORS AND SPECIFICALLY ARTICULATE ITS REASONS FOR
        AGREEING OR DISAGREEING WITH THOSE FINDINGS IN ITS WRITTEN
        DECISION. THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL HAVE THE DISCRETION TO ALLOW
        THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANT TO
        SUPPLEMENT THE RECORD IF THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION WAS
        PREVIOUSLY UNAVAILABLE.
           (7)  NOT LATER THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF NOTICE
        OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE APPEAL, THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL MEET TO
        OFFICIALLY REVIEW THE CERTIFIED RECORD.
           (8)  NOT LATER THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS FOLLOWING THE REVIEW
        CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (6), THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL ISSUE A
        WRITTEN DECISION AFFIRMING OR DENYING THE APPEAL. IF THE APPEAL
        BOARD HAS AFFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
        NOTICE SHALL BE PROVIDED TO BOTH PARTIES.
          (9)  A DECISION OF THE APPEAL BOARD TO REVERSE THE DECISION
        OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL SERVE AS A REQUIREMENT FOR
        THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR SCHOOL
        DISTRICTS, AS APPROPRIATE, TO GRANT THE APPLICATION AND SIGN THE
        WRITTEN CHARTER OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION
        1720-A. SHOULD THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FAIL TO GRANT THE
        APPLICATION AND SIGN THE CHARTER WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF NOTICE
        OF THE REVERSAL OF THE DECISION OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
        THE CHARTER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE APPROVED AND SHALL BE SIGNED
        BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPEAL BOARD.
           (10)  ALL DECISIONS OF THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
        APPELLATE REVIEW BY THE COMMONWEALTH COURT.
           SECTION 1718-A.  REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL.--(A)  A REGIONAL
        CHARTER SCHOOL MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY AN INDIVIDUAL, ONE OR MORE
        TEACHERS WHO WILL TEACH AT THE PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL; PARENTS
        OR GUARDIANS OF STUDENTS WHO WILL ATTEND THE CHARTER SCHOOL; ANY
        NONSECTARIAN COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OR MUSEUM LOCATED IN THIS
        COMMONWEALTH; ANY NONSECTARIAN CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT, AS
        DEFINED IN 15 PA.C.S. (RELATING TO CORPORATIONS AND
        UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS); ANY CORPORATION; ASSOCIATION;
        PARTNERSHIP; OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF. A REGIONAL CHARTER
        SCHOOL MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY CREATING A NEW SCHOOL OR BY
        CONVERTING AN EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL OR A PORTION OF AN EXISTING
        PUBLIC SCHOOL. CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL TO A
        REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
        SECTION 1714-A(B). NO REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE
        ESTABLISHED OR FUNDED BY AND NO CHARTER SHALL BE GRANTED TO ANY
        SECTARIAN SCHOOL, INSTITUTION OR OTHER ENTITY.
           (B)  THE BOARDS OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF ONE OR MORE SCHOOL
        DISTRICTS MAY ACT JOINTLY TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER AN APPLICATION
        FOR A REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL, EXCEPT THAT ANY ACTION TO APPROVE
        AN APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER OR TO SIGN A WRITTEN CHARTER OF AN
        APPLICANT SHALL REQUIRE AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF ALL
        THE DIRECTORS OF EACH OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS INVOLVED. THE
        APPLICANT SHALL APPLY FOR A CHARTER TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
        ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL WILL BE LOCATED.
           (C)  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE AS THEY PERTAIN TO
        CHARTER SCHOOLS AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL
        APPLY TO REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOLS, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN
        SUBSECTIONS (A) AND (B) OR AS OTHERWISE CLEARLY STATED IN THIS
        ARTICLE.
           SECTION 1719-A.  CONTENTS OF APPLICATION.--AN APPLICATION TO
        ESTABLISH A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
        INFORMATION:
           (1)  THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE CHARTER APPLICANT.
           (2)  THE NAME OF THE PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (3)  THE GRADE OR AGE LEVELS SERVED BY THE SCHOOL.
           (4)  THE PROPOSED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL,
        INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION AND METHOD FOR THE APPOINTMENT OR
        ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
           (5)  THE MISSION AND EDUCATION GOALS OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL,
        THE CURRICULUM TO BE OFFERED AND THE METHODS OF ASSESSING
        WHETHER STUDENTS ARE MEETING EDUCATIONAL GOALS.
           (6)  THE ADMISSION POLICY AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING THE
        ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WHICH SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS
        OF SECTION 1723-A.
           (7)  PROCEDURES WHICH WILL BE USED REGARDING THE SUSPENSION
        OR EXPULSION OF PUPILS. SAID PROCEDURES SHALL COMPLY WITH
        SECTION 1318.
           (8)  INFORMATION ON THE MANNER IN WHICH COMMUNITY GROUPS WILL
        BE INVOLVED IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL PLANNING PROCESS.
           (9)  THE FINANCIAL PLAN FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL AND THE
        PROVISIONS WHICH WILL BE MADE FOR AUDITING THE SCHOOL UNDER
        SECTION 437.
           (10)  PROCEDURES WHICH SHALL BE ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW
        COMPLAINTS OF PARENTS REGARDING THE OPERATION OF THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL.
           (11)  A DESCRIPTION OF AND ADDRESS OF THE PHYSICAL FACILITY
        IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL WILL BE LOCATED AND THE OWNERSHIP
        THEREOF AND ANY LEASE ARRANGEMENTS.
           (12)  INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL, INCLUDING THE LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL DAY AND
        SCHOOL YEAR CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 1502.
           (13)  THE PROPOSED FACULTY AND A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
        PLAN FOR THE FACULTY OF A CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (14)  WHETHER ANY AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN ENTERED INTO OR PLANS
        DEVELOPED WITH THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDING PARTICIPATION
        OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
        WITHIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION TO THE
        CONTRARY, NO SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE SHALL PROHIBIT A
        STUDENT OF A CHARTER SCHOOL FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY
        EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY OF THAT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE:
        PROVIDED, THAT THE STUDENT IS ABLE TO FULFILL ALL OF THE
        REQUIREMENTS OF PARTICIPATION IN SUCH ACTIVITY AND THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE THE SAME EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY.
           (15)  A REPORT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD, PURSUANT TO
        SECTION 111, FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO SHALL HAVE DIRECT CONTACT
        WITH STUDENTS.
           (16)  AN OFFICIAL CLEARANCE STATEMENT REGARDING CHILD INJURY
        OR ABUSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE AS REQUIRED BY 23
        PA.C.S. CH. 63 SUBCH. C.2 (RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR
        EMPLOYMENT IN SCHOOLS) FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO SHALL HAVE DIRECT
        CONTACT WITH STUDENTS.
           (17)  HOW THE CHARTER SCHOOL WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIABILITY
        AND OTHER APPROPRIATE INSURANCE FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL, ITS
        EMPLOYES AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           SECTION 1720-A.  TERM AND FORM OF CHARTER.--UPON APPROVAL OF
        A CHARTER APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 1717-A, A WRITTEN CHARTER
        SHALL BE DEVELOPED WHICH SHALL CONTAIN THE PROVISIONS OF THE
        CHARTER APPLICATION AND WHICH SHALL BE SIGNED BY THE LOCAL BOARD
        OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT, BY THE LOCAL BOARDS OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE CASE OF A REGIONAL
        CHARTER SCHOOL, OR BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPEAL BOARD PURSUANT
        TO SECTION 1717-A(I)(5) AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL. THIS WRITTEN CHARTER, WHEN DULY SIGNED BY THE LOCAL
        BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT, OR BY THE LOCAL
        BOARDS OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE CASE OF A
        REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL, AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S BOARD OF
        TRUSTEES SHALL ACT AS LEGAL AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT
        OF A CHARTER SCHOOL. THIS WRITTEN CHARTER SHALL BE LEGALLY
        BINDING ON BOTH THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL
        DISTRICT AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES. THE CHARTER
        SHALL BE FOR A PERIOD OF NO LESS THAN THREE (3), NOR MORE THAN
        FIVE (5) YEARS, AND MAY BE RENEWED FOR FIVE (5) YEAR PERIODS
        UPON REAUTHORIZATION BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A
        SCHOOL DISTRICT OR THE APPEAL BOARD. A CHARTER WILL BE GRANTED
        ONLY FOR A SCHOOL ORGANIZED AS A PUBLIC, NONPROFIT CORPORATION.
           SECTION 1721-A.  STATE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL BOARD.--(A)  THE
        STATE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF THE SECRETARY
        OF EDUCATION AND SIX (6) MEMBERS WHO SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
        GOVERNOR BY AND WITH THE CONSENT OF A MAJORITY OF ALL THE
        MEMBERS OF THE SENATE. APPOINTMENTS BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL NOT
        OCCUR PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1999. THE GOVERNOR SHALL SELECT THE
        CHAIRMAN OF THE APPEAL BOARD TO SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE
        GOVERNOR. THE MEMBERS SHALL INCLUDE:
           (1)  A PARENT OF A SCHOOL-AGED CHILD.
           (2)  A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER.
           (3)  A CERTIFIED TEACHER ACTIVELY EMPLOYED IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL.
           (4)  A FACULTY MEMBER OR ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYE OF AN
        INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
           (5)  A MEMBER OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
           (6)  A MEMBER OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
        THE TERM OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE APPEAL BOARD, OTHER THAN
        THE SECRETARY, SHALL BE FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR (4) YEARS OR UNTIL
        A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED AND QUALIFIED EXCEPT THAT OF THE
        INITIAL APPOINTEES, THE GOVERNOR SHALL DESIGNATE TWO (2) MEMBERS
        TO SERVE TERMS OF TWO (2) YEARS, TWO (2) MEMBERS TO SERVE TERMS
        OF THREE (3) YEARS AND TWO (2) MEMBERS TO SERVE TERMS OF FOUR
        (4) YEARS. ANY APPOINTMENT TO FILL ANY VACANCY SHALL BE FOR THE
        PERIOD OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM OR UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED
        AND QUALIFIED.
           (B)  THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL MEET AS NEEDED TO FULFILL THE
        PURPOSES PROVIDED IN THIS SUBSECTION. A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS
        OF THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM, AND A MAJORITY OF
        THE MEMBERS OF THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO ACT UPON
        ANY MATTER PROPERLY BEFORE THE APPEAL BOARD. THE APPEAL BOARD IS
        AUTHORIZED TO ESTABLISH RULES FOR ITS OPERATION.
           (C)  THE MEMBERS SHALL RECEIVE NO PAYMENT FOR THEIR SERVICES.
        MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYES OF STATE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE
        REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE COURSE OF THEIR OFFICIAL
        DUTIES FROM FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT
        OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
           (D)  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND STAFFING FOR
        THE APPEAL BOARD. THE GOVERNOR, THROUGH THE GOVERNOR'S GENERAL
        COUNSEL, SHALL PROVIDE SUCH LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE AS THE
        APPEAL BOARD MAY REQUIRE.
           (E)  MEETINGS OF THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL BE CONDUCTED UNDER
        THE ACT OF JULY 3, 1986 (P.L.388, NO.84), KNOWN AS THE "SUNSHINE
        ACT." DOCUMENTS OF THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE ACT
        OF JUNE 21, 1957 (P.L.390, NO.212), REFERRED TO AS THE RIGHT-TO-
        KNOW LAW.
           SECTION 1722-A.  FACILITIES.--(A)  A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY BE
        LOCATED IN AN EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, IN A PART OF AN
        EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, IN SPACE PROVIDED ON A
        PRIVATELY OWNED SITE, IN A PUBLIC BUILDING OR IN ANY OTHER
        SUITABLE LOCATION.
           (B)  THE CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITY SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC
        SCHOOL FACILITY REGULATIONS, EXCEPT THOSE PERTAINING TO THE
        HEALTH OR SAFETY OF THE PUPILS.
           (C)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL NOT CONSTRUCT A FACILITY WITH
        PUBLIC FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OR A LOCAL SCHOOL
        DISTRICT.
            SECTION 1723-A.  ENROLLMENT.--(A)  ALL RESIDENT CHILDREN IN
        THIS COMMONWEALTH QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION TO A CHARTER SCHOOL
        WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (B). IF MORE STUDENTS APPLY
        TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL THAN THE NUMBER OF ATTENDANCE SLOTS
        AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL, THEN STUDENTS MUST BE SELECTED ON A
        RANDOM BASIS FROM A POOL OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MEETING THE
        ESTABLISHED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
        BY THE DEADLINE ESTABLISHED BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL, EXCEPT THAT
        THE CHARTER SCHOOL MAY GIVE PREFERENCE IN ENROLLMENT TO A CHILD
        OF A PARENT WHO HAS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
        THE CHARTER SCHOOL AND TO SIBLINGS OF STUDENTS PRESENTLY
        ENROLLED IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL. FIRST PREFERENCE SHALL BE GIVEN
        TO STUDENTS WHO RESIDE IN THE DISTRICT OR DISTRICTS.
           (B)  (1)  A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE IN ITS
        ADMISSION POLICIES OR PRACTICES ON THE BASIS OF INTELLECTUAL
        ABILITY, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2), OR ATHLETIC
        ABILITY, MEASURES OF ACHIEVEMENT OR APTITUDE, STATUS AS A PERSON
        WITH A DISABILITY, PROFICIENCY IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR ANY
        OTHER BASIS THAT WOULD BE ILLEGAL IF USED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT.
           (2)  A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY LIMIT ADMISSION TO A PARTICULAR
        GRADE LEVEL OR AREAS OF CONCENTRATION OF THE SCHOOL SUCH AS
        MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE OR THE ARTS. A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY ESTABLISH
        REASONABLE CRITERIA TO EVALUATE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHICH SHALL
        BE OUTLINED IN THE SCHOOL'S CHARTER.
           (C)  IF AVAILABLE CLASSROOM SPACE PERMITS, A CHARTER SCHOOL
        MAY ENROLL NONRESIDENT STUDENTS ON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS, AND
        THE STUDENT'S DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE SHALL PERMIT THE STUDENT TO
        ATTEND THE CHARTER SCHOOL. THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
        ENROLLMENT SHALL BE OUTLINED IN THE SCHOOL'S CHARTER.
           SECTION 1724-A.  SCHOOL STAFF.--(A)  THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
        SHALL DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION AND ALL TERMS AND
        CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE STAFF, EXCEPT AS MAY OTHERWISE
        BE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE. AT LEAST SEVENTY-FIVE PER CENTUM OF
        THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL HOLD
        APPROPRIATE STATE CERTIFICATION. EMPLOYES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL
        MAY ORGANIZE UNDER THE ACT OF JULY 23, 1970 (P.L.563, NO.195),
        KNOWN AS THE "PUBLIC EMPLOYE RELATIONS ACT." THE BOARD OF
        TRUSTEES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE CONSIDERED AN EMPLOYER FOR
        THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE XI-A. UPON FORMATION OF ONE OR MORE
        COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS AT THE SCHOOL, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
        SHALL BARGAIN WITH THE EMPLOYES BASED ON THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
        ARTICLE, ARTICLE XI-A AND THE "PUBLIC EMPLOYE RELATIONS ACT."
        COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS AT A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE
        SEPARATE FROM ANY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT OF THE SCHOOL
        DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED AND SHALL BE
        SEPARATE FROM ANY OTHER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT. A CHARTER
        SCHOOL SHALL BE CONSIDERED A SCHOOL ENTITY AS PROVIDED FOR IN
        SECTION 1161-A FOR PURPOSE OF THE SECRETARY SEEKING AN
        INJUNCTION REQUIRING THE CHARTER SCHOOL TO MEET THE MINIMUM
        REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTRUCTION AS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ARTICLE.
           (B)  EACH CHARTER APPLICATION SHALL LIST THE GENERAL
        QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO STAFF ANY NONCERTIFIED POSITIONS.
        PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HOLD APPROPRIATE PENNSYLVANIA
        CERTIFICATION MUST PRESENT EVIDENCE THAT THEY:
           (I)  MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS IN SECTIONS 1109 AND 1209 OF THE
        PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE.
           (II)  HAVE DEMONSTRATED SATISFACTORILY A COMBINATION OF
        EXPERIENCE, ACHIEVEMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS AS DEFINED IN THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION IN BASIC SKILLS, GENERAL KNOWLEDGE,
        PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AND SUBJECT MATTER KNOWLEDGE
        IN THE SUBJECT AREA WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL WILL TEACH.
           (C) ALL EMPLOYES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE ENROLLED IN
        THE PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEE'S RETIREMENT SYSTEM IN THE SAME
        MANNER AS SET FORTH IN 24 PA.C.S. SECTION 8301 (A) (RELATING TO
        MANDATORY AND OPTIONAL MEMBERSHIP) UNLESS AT THE TIME OF THE
        APPLICATION FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL THE SPONSORING DISTRICT OR THE
        BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL HAS A RETIREMENT PROGRAM
        WHICH COVERS THE EMPLOYES OR THE EMPLOYE IS CURRENTLY ENROLLED
        IN ANOTHER RETIREMENT PROGRAM.  THE COMMONWEALTH SHALL MAKE
        CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF CHARTER SCHOOL EMPLOYES AND THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL SHALL BE CONSIDERED A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND SHALL MAKE
        PAYMENTS BY EMPLOYERS AND PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF SOCIAL SECURITY
        AS ESTABLISHED UNDER 24 PA.C.S.PT. IV (RELATING TO RETIREMENT FOR
        SCHOOL EMPLOYEES).  FOR PURPOSES OF PAYMENTS BY EMLOYERS A CHARTER
        SCHOOL SHALL BE CONSIDERED A SCHOOL DISTRICT UNDER 24 PA.CS.
        SECTION 8329(A) (1) (RELATING TO PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF SOCIAL
        SECURITY DEDUCTIONS FROM APPROPRIATIONS).  THE MARKET VALUE/INCOME
        AID RATIO USED IN CALCULATING PAYMENTS AS PRESCRIBED IN THIS
        SUBSECTION SHALL BE THE MARKET VALUE/INCOME AID RATIO FOR THE
        SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED OR, IN THE
        CASE OF A REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL, SHALL BE COMPOSITE MARKET
        VALUE/INCOME AID RATIO FOR THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS AS
        DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT.  EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED,
        EMPLOYES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL MAKE REGULAR MEMBER
        CONTRIBUTIONS AS REQUIRED FOR ACTIVE MEMBERS UNDER 24 PA.C.S. PT.
        IV.  IF THE EMPLOYES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN ANOTHER
        RETIREMENT PLAN, THEN THOSE EMPLOYES SHALL HAVE NO CONCURRENT CLAIM
        ON THE BENEFITS PROVIDED TO PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYES UNDER 24 PA.C.S.
        PT. IV.  FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBSECTION, A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL
        BE DEEMED TO BE A "PUBLIC SCHOOL" AS DEFINED IN 24 PA.C.S. SECTION
        8102 (RELATING TO DEFINITIONS).
           (D) EVERY EMPLOYE OF A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE PROVIDED THE SAME
        HEALTH CARE BENEFITS AS THE EMPLOYE WOULD BE PROVIDED IF HE OR SHE
        WERE AN EMPLOYE OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT.  THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL
        DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE THE CHARTER SCHOOL TO PROVIDE THE SAME TERMS
        AND CONDITIONS WITH REGARD TO HEALTH INSURANCE AS THE COLLECTIVE
        BARGAINING AGREEMENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO INCLUDE EMPLOYE
        CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DISTRICT'S HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN.  THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL SHALL MAKE ANY REQUIRED EMPLOYER'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE
        DISTRICT'S HEALTH PLAN TO AN INSURER, A LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL
        DIRECTORS OR A CONTRACTUAL REPRESENTATIVE OF SCHOOL EMPLOYES,
        WHICHEVER IS APPROPRIATE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED COVERAGE.
           (E) ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYE OF A SCHOOL ENTITY MAY REQUEST A
        LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR UP TO FIVE (5) YEARS IN ORDER TO WORK IN
        A CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN THE DISTRICT OF EMPLOYMENT OR IN A
        REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL IN WHICH THE EMPLOYING SCHOOL DISTRICT
        IS A PARTICIPANT. APPROVAL FOR A LEAVE SHALL NOT BE UNREASONABLY
        WITHHELD.
           (F)  TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYES ON LEAVE FROM A SCHOOL
        DISTRICT MAY ACCRUE TENURE IN THE NON-CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL
        SYSTEM AT THE DISCRETION OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS,
        THE SAME AS THEY WOULD UNDER ARTICLE XI IF THEY HAD CONTINUED TO
        BE EMPLOYED BY THAT DISTRICT. PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYES ON LEAVE
        FROM A SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL RETAIN THEIR TENURE RIGHTS, AS
        DEFINED IN ARTICLE XI, IN THE SCHOOL ENTITY FROM WHICH THEY
        CAME. NO TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYE OR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYE
        SHALL HAVE TENURE RIGHTS AS AGAINST A CHARTER SCHOOL. BOTH
        TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYES AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYES SHALL
        CONTINUE TO ACCRUE SENIORITY IN THE SCHOOL ENTITY FROM WHICH
        THEY CAME IF THEY RETURN TO THAT SCHOOL ENTITY WHEN THE LEAVE
        ENDS.
           (G)  PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYES WHO HOLD A FIRST LEVEL TEACHING OR
        ADMINISTRATIVE CERTIFICATE MAY, AT THEIR OPTION, HAVE THE TIME
        COMPLETED IN SATISFACTORY SERVICE IN A CHARTER SCHOOL APPLIED TO
        THE LENGTH OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NEXT LEVEL OF
        CERTIFICATION.
           (H)  (1)  ANY TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYE OR PROFESSIONAL
        EMPLOYE WHO LEAVES EMPLOYMENT AT A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL HAVE THE
        RIGHT TO RETURN TO A COMPARABLE POSITION FOR WHICH THE PERSON IS
        PROPERLY CERTIFIED IN THE SCHOOL ENTITY WHICH GRANTED THE LEAVE
        OF ABSENCE. IN THE CASE WHERE A TEACHER HAS BEEN DISMISSED BY
        THE CHARTER SCHOOL, THE SCHOOL ENTITY WHICH GRANTED THE LEAVE OF
        ABSENCE IS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL WITH THE REASONS
        FOR SUCH DISMISSAL AT THE TIME IT OCCURS, A LIST OF ANY
        WITNESSES WHO WERE RELIED ON BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL IN MOVING FOR
        DISMISSAL, A DESCRIPTION OF AND ACCESS TO ANY PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
        USED BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL IN MOVING FOR DISMISSAL AND A COPY OF
        ANY RECORD DEVELOPED AT ANY DISMISSAL PROCEEDING CONDUCTED BY  
        THE CHARTER SCHOOL. THE RECORD OF ANY SUCH HEARING MAY BE
        ADMISSIBLE IN A HEARING BEFORE THE SCHOOL ENTITY WHICH GRANTED
        THE LEAVE OF ABSENCE. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE
        AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS TO INITIATE
        PROCEEDINGS UNDER ARTICLE XI IF THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT
        OCCURRENCES AT THE CHARTER SCHOOL LEADING TO DISMISSAL OF A
        TEACHER CONSTITUTE ADEQUATE AND INDEPENDENT GROUNDS FOR
        DISCIPLINE UNDER SECTION 1122.
           (2)  NO TEMPORARY EMPLOYE OR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYE WHO IS
        LEAVING EMPLOYMENT AT A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE RETURNED TO A
        POSITION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT WHICH GRANTED HIS LEAVE
        OF ABSENCE, UNTIL SUCH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IS IN RECEIPT OF A
        CURRENT CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD UNDER SECTION 111 AND THE
        OFFICIAL CLEARANCE STATEMENT REGARDING CHILD INJURY OR ABUSE
        FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE AS REQUIRED BY 23 PA.C.S.
        CH. 63 SUBCH. C.2 (RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR EMPLOYMENT
        IN SCHOOLS).
           (I)  ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO SHALL HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH
        STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A REPORT OF CRIMINAL
        HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 111 PRIOR
        TO ACCEPTING A POSITION WITH THE CHARTER SCHOOL. THIS SUBSECTION
        SHALL ALSO APPLY TO ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO VOLUNTEERS TO WORK ON A       
        FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS AT THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (J)  ALL APPLICANTS FOR A POSITION AS A SCHOOL EMPLOYE SHALL
        BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE OFFICIAL CLEARANCE STATEMENT REGARDING
        CHILD INJURY OR ABUSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE AS
        REQUIRED BY 23 PA.C.S. CH. 63 SUBCH. C.2. THIS SECTION SHALL
        ALSO APPLY TO ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO VOLUNTEERS TO WORK ON A FULL-
        TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS AT A CHARTER SCHOOL.
           SECTION 1725-A.  FUNDING FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS.--(A)  FUNDING
        FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
           (1)  THERE SHALL BE NO TUITION CHARGE FOR A RESIDENT OR
        NONRESIDENT STUDENT ATTENDING A CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (2)  FOR NON-SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, THE CHARTER SCHOOL
        SHALL RECEIVE FOR EACH STUDENT ENROLLED NO LESS THAN THE
        BUDGETED TOTAL EXPENDITURE PER AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP OF THE
        PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2501(20) MINUS THE
        BUDGETED EXPENDITURES OF THE DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE FOR NONPUBLIC
        SCHOOL PROGRAMS; ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS; COMMUNITY/JUNIOR
        COLLEGE PROGRAMS; STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES; FOR SPECIAL
        EDUCATION PROGRAMS; FACILITIES ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND
        IMPROVEMENT SERVICES AND OTHER FINANCING USES, INCLUDING DEBT
        SERVICE AND FUND TRANSFERS AS PROVIDED IN THE MANUAL OF
        ACCOUNTING AND RELATED FINANCIAL PROCEDURES FOR PENNSYLVANIA
        SCHOOL SYSTEMS ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THIS AMOUNT SHALL
        BE PAID BY THE DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE OF EACH STUDENT.
           (3)  FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, THE CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL
        RECEIVE FOR EACH STUDENT ENROLLED THE SAME FUNDING AS FOR EACH
        NON-SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT AS PROVIDED IN CLAUSE (2) PLUS AN
        ADDITIONAL AMOUNT DETERMINED BY DIVIDING THE DISTRICT OF
        RESIDENCE'S TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION EXPENDITURE BY THE PRODUCT
        OF MULTIPLYING THE COMBINED PERCENTAGE OF SECTION 2509.5(K)
        TIMES THE DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE'S TOTAL AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP
        FOR THE PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR. THIS AMOUNT SHALL BE PAID BY THE
        DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE OF EACH STUDENT.
           (4)  A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY REQUEST THE INTERMEDIATE UNIT IN
        WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO
        ASSIST THE CHARTER SCHOOL TO ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF
        EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS. THE INTERMEDIATE UNIT SHALL ASSIST THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL AND BILL THE CHARTER SCHOOL FOR THE SERVICES. THE
        INTERMEDIATE UNIT MAY NOT CHARGE THE CHARTER SCHOOL MORE FOR ANY
        SERVICE THAN IT CHARGES THE CONSTITUENT DISTRICTS OF THE
        INTERMEDIATE UNIT.
           (5)  PAYMENTS SHALL BE MADE TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL IN TWELVE
        (12) EQUAL MONTHLY PAYMENTS, BY THE FIFTH DAY OF EACH MONTH,
        WITHIN THE OPERATING SCHOOL YEAR. A STUDENT ENROLLED IN A
        CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP
        OF THE STUDENT'S DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF
        PROVIDING BASIC EDUCATION FUNDING PAYMENTS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
        FUNDING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XXV. IF A SCHOOL DISTRICT FAILS TO
        MAKE A PAYMENT TO A CHARTER SCHOOL AS PRESCRIBED IN THIS CLAUSE
        THE SECRETARY SHALL DEDUCT THE AMOUNT, AS DOCUMENTED BY THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL, FROM ANY AND ALL STATE PAYMENTS MADE TO THE
        DISTRICT AFTER RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTATION FROM THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (B)  THE COMMONWEALTH SHALL PROVIDE TEMPORARY FINANCIAL
        ASSISTANCE TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT DUE TO THE ENROLLMENT OF
        STUDENTS IN A CHARTER SCHOOL WHO ATTENDED A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IN
        THE PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR IN ORDER TO OFFSET THE ADDITIONAL COSTS
        DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ENROLLMENT OF THOSE STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC
        CHARTER SCHOOL. THE COMMONWEALTH SHALL PAY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
        OF RESIDENCE OF A STUDENT ENROLLED IN A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE
        PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR WHO IS ATTENDING A CHARTER SCHOOL AN AMOUNT
        EQUAL TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE'S BASIC EDUCATION
        SUBSIDY FOR THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR DIVIDED BY THE DISTRICT'S
        AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP FOR THE PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR. THIS PAYMENT
        SHALL OCCUR ONLY FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE ATTENDANCE OF THE
        STUDENT IN A CHARTER SCHOOL STARTING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 1997-1998.
        TOTAL PAYMENTS OF TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOL
        DISTRICTS ON BEHALF OF A STUDENT ENROLLING IN A CHARTER SCHOOL
        WHO ATTENDED A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR SHALL     
        BE LIMITED TO FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR THIS PROGRAM IN A FISCAL
        YEAR. IF THE TOTAL OF THE AMOUNT NEEDED FOR ALL STUDENTS
        ENROLLED IN A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE PRIOR SCHOOL YEAR WHO
        ENROLL IN A CHARTER SCHOOL EXCEEDS THE APPROPRIATION FOR THE
        TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, THE AMOUNT PAID TO A
        SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR EACH QUALIFYING STUDENT SHALL BE PRO RATA
        REDUCED. RECEIPT OF FUNDS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT
        PRECLUDE A SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM APPLYING FOR A GRANT UNDER
        SUBSECTION (C).
          (C)  THE COMMONWEALTH SHALL CREATE A GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE
        TEMPORARY TRANSITIONAL FUNDING TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT DUE TO THE
        BUDGETARY IMPACT RELATING TO ANY STUDENT ATTENDING A CHARTER
        SCHOOL. A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT APPROVES ONE OR MORE CHARTER
        SCHOOLS MAY APPLY FOR A GRANT UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. THE
        DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP CRITERIA WHICH SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT
        BE LIMITED TO, THE OVERALL FISCAL IMPACT ON THE BUDGET OF THE
        SCHOOL DISTRICT RESULTING FROM STUDENTS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT
        ATTENDING A CHARTER SCHOOL. THE CRITERIA SHALL BE PUBLISHED IN
        THE PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN. PAYMENTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL
        BE MADE FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
        THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL EXPIRE
        ON JUNE 30, 1999. THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO A PUBLIC
        SCHOOL CONVERTED TO A CHARTER SCHOOL UNDER SECTION 1717-A(B).
           (D)  IT SHALL BE LAWFUL FOR ANY CHARTER SCHOOL TO RECEIVE,
        HOLD, MANAGE AND USE, ABSOLUTELY OR IN TRUST, ANY DEVISE,
        BEQUEST, GRANT, ENDOWMENT, GIFT OR DONATION OF ANY PROPERTY,
        REAL OR PERSONAL AND/OR MIXED, WHICH SHALL BE MADE TO THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL FOR ANY OF THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE.
           (E)  IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY TRUSTEE OF A CHARTER
        SCHOOL, OR ANY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL, OR ANY
        OTHER PERSON AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH A CHARTER SCHOOL TO
        DEMAND OR REQUEST, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY GIFT, DONATION OR
        CONTRIBUTION OF ANY KIND FROM ANY PARENT, TEACHER, EMPLOYE OR
        ANY OTHER PERSON AFFILIATED WITH THE CHARTER SCHOOL AS A
        CONDITION FOR EMPLOYMENT OR ENROLLMENT AND/OR CONTINUED
        ATTENDANCE OF ANY PUPIL. ANY DONATION, GIFT OR CONTRIBUTION
        RECEIVED BY A CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE GIVEN FREELY AND
        VOLUNTARILY.
           SECTION 1726-A.  TRANSPORTATION.--STUDENTS WHO RESIDE IN THE
        SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED, OR WHO
        ARE RESIDENTS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT WHICH IS PART OF A REGIONAL
        CHARTER SCHOOL, SHALL BE PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL ON THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS TRANSPORTATION IS
        PROVIDED TO STUDENTS ATTENDING THE SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT.
        NONRESIDENT STUDENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION UNDER
        SECTION 1361. DISTRICTS PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION TO A CHARTER
        SCHOOL OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PAYMENTS UNDER
        SECTION 2509.3 FOR EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT TRANSPORTED.
           SECTION 1727-A.  TORT LIABILITY.--FOR PURPOSES OF TORT
        LIABILITY, EMPLOYES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE CONSIDERED
        PUBLIC EMPLOYES AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL BE CONSIDERED
        THE PUBLIC EMPLOYER IN THE SAME MANNER AS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS
        AND LOCAL AGENCIES. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL
        AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE SOLELY LIABLE FOR ANY AND ALL
        DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM ANY LEGAL CHALLENGE INVOLVING
        THE OPERATION OF A CHARTER SCHOOL. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS
        REQUIREMENT, THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL ENTITY
        SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ACTIVITY OR OPERATION RELATED
        TO THE PROGRAM OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           SECTION 1728-A.  ANNUAL REPORTS AND ASSESSMENTS.--(A)  THE
        LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SHALL ANNUALLY ASSESS WHETHER
        EACH CHARTER SCHOOL IS MEETING THE GOALS OF ITS CHARTER AND
        SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW PRIOR TO GRANTING A FIVE
        (5) YEAR RENEWAL OF THE CHARTER. THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL
        DIRECTORS SHALL HAVE ONGOING ACCESS TO THE RECORDS AND
        FACILITIES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL TO ENSURE THAT THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CHARTER AND THIS ACT AND THAT
        REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING, CIVIL RIGHTS AND STUDENT HEALTH AND
        SAFETY ARE BEING MET.
           (B)  IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE LOCAL BOARD'S REVIEW AND
        SECRETARY'S REPORT, EACH CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL
        REPORT NO LATER THAN AUGUST 1 OF EACH YEAR TO THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS AND THE SECRETARY IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE
        SECRETARY.
           (C)  FIVE (5) YEARS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
        ARTICLE, THE SECRETARY SHALL CONTRACT WITH AN INDEPENDENT
        PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT WITH EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
        EDUCATION. THE CONSULTANT SHALL RECEIVE INPUT FROM MEMBERS OF
        THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC ON THE CHARTER SCHOOL
        PROGRAM. THE CONSULTANT SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE SECRETARY,
        THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND AN EVALUATION OF THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE A RECOMMENDATION ON
        THE ADVISABILITY OF THE CONTINUATION, MODIFICATION, EXPANSION OR
        TERMINATION OF THE PROGRAM AND ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES
        IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM.
           SECTION 1729-A.  CAUSES FOR NONRENEWAL OR TERMINATION.--(A)
        DURING THE TERM OF THE CHARTER OR AT THE END OF THE TERM OF THE
        CHARTER, THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MAY CHOOSE TO
        REVOKE OR NOT TO RENEW THE CHARTER BASED ON ANY OF THE
        FOLLOWING:
           (1)  ONE OR MORE MATERIAL VIOLATIONS OF ANY OF THE
        CONDITIONS, STANDARDS OR PROCEDURES CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN
        CHARTER SIGNED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1720-A.
           (2)  FAILURE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE
        SET FORTH IN 22 PA.CODE CH. 5 (RELATING TO CURRICULUM) OR
        SUBSEQUENT REGULATIONS PROMULGATED TO REPLACE 22 PA.CODE CH. 5
        OR FAILURE TO MEET ANY PERFORMANCE STANDARD SET FORTH IN THE
        WRITTEN CHARTER SIGNED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1716-A.
           (3)  FAILURE TO MEET GENERALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS OF FISCAL
        MANAGEMENT OR AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.
           (4)  VIOLATION OF PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
           (5)  VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION OF LAW FROM WHICH THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL HAS NOT BEEN EXEMPTED, INCLUDING FEDERAL LAWS AND
        REGULATIONS GOVERNING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.
           (6)  THE CHARTER SCHOOL HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF FRAUD.
           (B)  A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHO IS CONVICTED OF A
        FELONY OR ANY CRIME INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE SHALL BE
        IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFIED FROM SERVING ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
           (C)  ANY NOTICE OF REVOCATION OR NONRENEWAL OF A CHARTER
        GIVEN BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL
        DISTRICT SHALL STATE THE GROUNDS FOR SUCH ACTION WITH REASONABLE
        SPECIFICITY AND GIVE REASONABLE NOTICE TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF
        THE CHARTER SCHOOL OF THE DATE ON WHICH A PUBLIC HEARING
        CONCERNING THE REVOCATION OR NONRENEWAL WILL BE HELD. THE LOCAL
        BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SHALL CONDUCT SUCH HEARING, PRESENT
        EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OR NONRENEWAL
        STATED IN ITS NOTICE AND GIVE THE CHARTER SCHOOL REASONABLE
        OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER TESTIMONY BEFORE TAKING FINAL ACTION.
        FORMAL ACTION REVOKING OR NOT RENEWING A CHARTER SHALL BE TAKEN
        BY THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS AT A PUBLIC MEETING
        PURSUANT TO THE ACT OF JULY 3, 1986 (P.L.388, NO.84), KNOWN AS
        THE "SUNSHINE ACT," AFTER THE PUBLIC HAS HAD THIRTY (30) DAYS TO
        PROVIDE COMMENTS TO THE BOARD. ALL PROCEEDINGS OF THE LOCAL
        BOARD PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO 2 PA.C.S.
        CH. 5 SUBCH. B (RELATING TO PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF LOCAL
        AGENCIES). EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (D), THE DECISION OF
        THE LOCAL BOARD SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO 2 PA.C.S. CH. 7 SUBCH. B
        (RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW OF LOCAL AGENCY ACTION).
           (D)  FOLLOWING THE APPOINTMENT AND CONFIRMATION OF THE APPEAL
        BOARD, BUT NOT BEFORE JULY 1, 1999, THE CHARTER SCHOOL MAY
        APPEAL THE DECISION OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS TO
        REVOKE OR NOT RENEW THE CHARTER TO THE APPEAL BOARD. THE APPEAL
        BOARD SHALL HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE REVIEW OF A DECISION NOT TO RENEW
        OR REVOKE A CHARTER. THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL REVIEW THE RECORD
        AND SHALL HAVE THE DISCRETION TO SUPPLEMENT THE RECORD IF THE
        SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION WAS PREVIOUSLY UNAVAILABLE. THE APPEAL
        BOARD MAY CONSIDER THE CHARTER SCHOOL PLAN, ANNUAL REPORTS,
        STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND EMPLOYE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE
        CHARTER SCHOOL IN ADDITION TO THE RECORD. THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL
        GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO THE FINDINGS OF THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        DIRECTORS AND SPECIFICALLY ARTICULATE ITS REASONS FOR AGREEING
        OR DISAGREEING WITH THOSE FINDINGS IN ITS WRITTEN DECISION
           (E)  IF THE APPEAL BOARD DETERMINES THAT THE CHARTER SHOULD
        NOT BE REVOKED OR SHOULD BE RENEWED, THE APPEAL BOARD SHALL
        ORDER THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO RESCIND ITS REVOCATION OR
        NONRENEWAL DECISION.
           (F)  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (G), THE CHARTER SHALL
        REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FINAL DISPOSITION BY THE APPEAL BOARD.
           (G)  IN CASES WHERE THE HEALTH OR SAFETY OF THE SCHOOL'S
        PUPILS, STAFF OR BOTH IS AT SERIOUS RISK, THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS MAY TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REVOKE A CHARTER.
           (H)  ALL DECISIONS OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPEAL BOARD SHALL
        BE SUBJECT TO APPELLATE REVIEW BY THE COMMONWEALTH COURT.
           (I)  WHEN A CHARTER IS REVOKED OR IS NOT RENEWED, THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL SHALL BE DISSOLVED. AFTER THE DISPOSITION OF ANY
        LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL, ANY REMAINING
        ASSETS OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED ON A
        PROPORTIONAL BASIS TO THE SCHOOL ENTITIES WITH STUDENTS ENROLLED
        IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL FOR THE LAST FULL OR PARTIAL SCHOOL YEAR
        OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL.
           (J)  WHEN A CHARTER IS REVOKED OR IS NOT RENEWED, A STUDENT
        WHO ATTENDED THE CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL APPLY TO ANOTHER PUBLIC
        SCHOOL IN THE STUDENT'S SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE. NORMAL
        APPLICATION DEADLINES WILL BE DISREGARDED UNDER THESE
        CIRCUMSTANCES. ALL STUDENT RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE CHARTER
        SCHOOL SHALL BE FORWARDED TO THE STUDENT'S DISTRICT OF
        RESIDENCE.
           SECTION 1730-A.  DESEGREGATION ORDERS.--THE LOCAL BOARD OF
        SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT WHICH IS OPERATING UNDER A
        DESEGREGATION PLAN APPROVED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RELATIONS
        COMMISSION OR A DESEGREGATION ORDER BY A FEDERAL OR STATE COURT
        SHALL NOT APPROVE A CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION IF SUCH CHARTER
        SCHOOL WOULD PLACE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH ITS
        DESEGREGATION ORDER.
           SECTION 1731-A.  CHARTER SCHOOL GRANTS.--(A)  THE SECRETARY
        SHALL ALLOCATE GRANTS FOR PLANNING AND START-UP FUNDING TO
        ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS UNDER SECTION 1717-A FROM FUNDS APPROPRIATED
        FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT.
           (1)  PLANNING GRANT APPLICATIONS SHALL BE FILED ON A FORM AND
        BY A DATE DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY. THE AMOUNT OF A GRANT MAY  
        VARY DEPENDING ON THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE PLANNING NEEDED BY
        THE APPLICANT. THE APPLICATION SHALL ADDRESS THE MANNER IN WHICH
        THE APPLICANT PLANS TO ADDRESS THE CRITERIA ESTABLISHED FOR
        CHARTER SCHOOLS IN SECTIONS 1715-A AND 1717-A.
           (2)  START-UP FUNDING GRANT APPLICATIONS SHALL BE FILED ON A
        FORM AND BY A DATE DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY. THE APPLICANT
        FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL SHALL SUBMIT ITS APPLICATION FOR A
        CHARTER WHEN APPLYING FOR THE GRANT. A GRANT FOR START-UP
        FUNDING MAY VARY DEPENDING ON THE SIZE AND SPECIAL
        CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL. A START-UP GRANT MAY BE
        USED TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL AS ESTABLISHED
        IN THEIR CHARTER AND AS AUTHORIZED IN THE PROVISION OF THIS
        ARTICLE.
           (B)  THE APPLICANT SHALL INCLUDE A COPY OF A LETTER INFORMING
        THE LOCAL BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORSO OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF
        THE APPLICATION FOR THE PLANNING GRANT IF THE LOCATION OF THE
        PROPOSED CHARTER SCHOOL IS KNOWN. AN APPLICANT RECEIVING A
        START-UP FUNDING GRANT SHALL NOTIFY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OR
        DISTRICTS SIGNING THE CHARTER OF RECEIPT OF THIS GRANT.
           SECTION 1732-A.  PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.--
        (A)  CHARTER SCHOOLS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:
           SECTIONS 108, 110, 111, 321, 325, 326, 327, 431, 436, 443,
        510, 518, 527, 708, 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 752, 753, 755,
        771, 776, 777, 808, 809, 810, 1109, 1111, 1112(A), 1310, 1317,
        1317.1, 1317.2, 1318, 1327, 1330, 1332, 1303-A, 1513, 1517,
        1518, 1521, 1523, 1547, 2014-A, ARTICLE XIII-A AND ARTICLE XIV.
           ACT OF JULY 17, 1961 (P.L.776, NO.341), KNOWN AS THE
        "PENNSYLVANIA FAIR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACT."
           ACT OF JULY 19, 1965 (P.L.215, NO.116), ENTITLED "AN ACT
        PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF EYE PROTECTIVE DEVICES BY PERSONS
        ENGAGED IN HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES OR EXPOSED TO KNOWN DANGERS IN
        SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES."
           SECTION 4 OF THE ACT OF JANUARY 25, 1966 (1965 P.L.1546,
        NO.541), ENTITLED "AN ACT PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROVIDING
        FUNDS TO SECURE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS OF THE
        COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO     
        ATTEND POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, MAKING AN
        APPROPRIATION, AND PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ACT."
           ACT OF JULY 12, 1972 (P.L.765, NO.181), ENTITLED "AN ACT
        RELATING TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL AND THEIR ABUSE, PROVIDING FOR
        PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS AND GRANTS TO EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES, OTHER
        PUBLIC OR PRIVATE AGENCIES, INSTITUTIONS OR ORGANIZATIONS."
           ACT OF DECEMBER 15, 1986 (P.L.1595, NO.175), KNOWN AS THE
        "ANTIHAZING LAW."
           (B)  CHARTER SCHOOLS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
        PROVISIONS OF 22 PA. CODE:
           SECTION 5.216 (RELATING TO ESOL)
           SECTION 5.4 (RELATING TO GENERAL POLICIES)
           CHAPTER 11 (RELATING TO PUPIL ATTENDANCE)
           CHAPTER 12 (RELATING TO STUDENTS)
           SECTION 32.3 (RELATING TO ASSURANCES)
           SECTION 121.3 (RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED)
           SECTION 235.4 (RELATING TO PRACTICES)
           SECTION 235.8 (RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS)
           (C)  (1)  THE SECRETARY MAY PROMULGATE ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
        RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
           (2)  THE SECRETARY SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND THE
        RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT CHARTER SCHOOLS COMPLY WITH
        FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING CHILDREN WITH
        DISABILITIES. THE SECRETARY SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO
        IMPLEMENT THIS PROVISION.
           SECTION 2.  (A)  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES AS
        FOLLOWS:
               (1)  A WELL-TRAINED AND WELL-EDUCATED WORK FORCE IS
           ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
               (2)  MANY OF THE FASTEST GROWING SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY
           ARE IN AREAS WHICH REQUIRE TECHNICAL COMPETENCE AND AN
           EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND THAT INCLUDES A SOLID FOUNDATION IN
           THE CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND EARTH SCIENCES.
               (3)  SHARING RESOURCES IS A COST-EFFECTIVE AND PROVEN
           METHOD OF ENSURING THAT ALL OF THIS COMMONWEALTH'S SCHOOL
           CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO A HIGH-QUALITY SCIENCE CURRICULUM
           THAT PROVIDES HAND-ON EXPERIENCE WITH MODERN AND
           SOPHISTICATED SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT TO PREPARE
           STUDENTS FOR THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY DEMANDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
               (4)  SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR COLLABORATION
           BETWEEN THE BASIC EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEMS OF
           THIS COMMONWEALTH TO ENHANCE THE EDUCATION OF THIS
           COMMONWEALTH'S SCHOOL CHILDREN.
               (5)  STUDENTS NEED THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SCIENCE BY
           PRACTICING SCIENCE. THIS COMMONWEALTH MUST GRADUATE STUDENTS
           WHO ARE MORE SCIENTIFICALLY LITERATE AND WHO ARE BETTER ABLE
           TO PURSUE CAREERS AND JOBS IN FIELDS THAT REQUIRE SUCH
           LITERACY.
               (6)  TEACHERS WHO ARE THE ONLY PHYSICS OR CHEMISTRY
           TEACHER IN THEIR SCHOOL NEED NOT WORK IN ISOLATION.
               (7)  TEACHERS REQUIRE GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR
           PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SCIENCE, INCLUDING TRAINING TO
           INCORPORATE NEW SCIENCE EQUIPMENT INTO THE TEACHING CURRICULA.
               (8)  IT IS THEREFORE THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
           AND A PURPOSE OF THIS ACT TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF
           EDUCATION TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING THE
           PENNSYLVANIA SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ENHANCED
           EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE TO THIS
           COMMONWEALTH'S SCHOOL CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN ATTENDING
           SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PROVIDE
           AN ENRICHED SCIENCE CURRICULUM.
           (B)  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL FILE A REPORT WITH THE GOVERNOR AND
         WITH THE CHAIRMAN AND MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION
         COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE CHAIRMAN AND MINORITY CHAIRMAN
         OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON
         THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A PENNSYLVANIA SCIENCE
         PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BY JANUARY 1, 1998. THE REPORT SHALL
         DESCRIBE THE TYPES OF SCIENCE PARTNERSHIPS CREATED IN SELECTED
         COMMUNITIES OF THIS COMMONWEALTH, TO BE DETERMINED BY THE
         SECRETARY OF EDUCATION. AT A MINIMUM, PROGRAMS OF THIS TYPE IN
         PHILADELPHIA, PITTSBURGH AND AT JUNIATA COLLEGE AND LEBANON
         VALLEY COLLEGE SHALL BE EXAMINED. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSIDER
         THE BENEFITS OF THE PARTNERSHIP AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF SCHOOL
         DISTRICTS, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND SCIENCE MUSEUMS.
         THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SURVEY SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DETERMINE THE
         NUMBER OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS
         PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS SCIENCE PROGRAMS, A DETAILED BREAKDOWN
         OF THE COSTS OF THESE PROGRAMS AND THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAMS ON
         THE LEVEL OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.
          (C)  THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS
        SECTION SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SUBSECTION
        UNLESS THE CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
          "DEPARTMENT."  THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE
        COMMONWEALTH.
           "HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION."  ANY INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
        EDUCATION IN THIS COMMONWEALTH AUTHORIZED TO GRANT COLLEGIATE
        LEVEL DEGREES AND WHICH HAS RECEIVED TOTAL INSTITUTIONAL
        ACCREDITATION BY AN ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNIZED BY THE FEDERAL
        GOVERNMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE BOARD OF
        EDUCATION.
           SECTION 3.  (A)  THE SUM OF $1,000,000, OR AS MUCH THEREOF AS
        MAY BE NECESSARY, IS HEREBY APPROPRIATED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
        JULY 1, 1997, TO JUNE 30, 1998, FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE
        DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PAY FOR TEMPORARY FINANCIAL
        ASSISTANCE UNDER SECTION 1725-A(B) TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS ON BEHALF
        OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN CHARTER SCHOOLS WHO ATTENDED A NONPUBLIC
        SCHOOL IN THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR.
           (B)  THE SUM OF $7,500,000, OR AS MUCH THERE OF AS MAY BE
        NECESSARY, IS HEREBY APPROPRIATED FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE
        DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PAY FOR TRANSITIONAL FUNDING GRANTS
        UNDER SECTION 1725-A(C) TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS. THESE FUNDS SHALL
        LAPSE JUNE 30, 1999.
           (C)  THE SUM OF $4,000,000 OF FEDERAL FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER
        THE IMPROVING AMERICA'S SCHOOLS ACT OF 1994 (PUBLIC LAW 103-382,
        108 STAT. 3518) IS HEREBY APPROPRIATED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
        EDUCATION FOR PURPOSES OF IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
        ACT. THESE FUNDS SHALL LAPSE JUNE 30, 1998.
           SECTION 4.  ALL ACTS AND PARTS OF ACTS ARE REPEALED INSOFAR
        AS THEY ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THIS ACT.
           SECTION 5.  THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY
Contact:
Tim Daniels
Policy Office
PA Department of Education
333 Market Street, 10th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
Phone: 717-783-9781
Fax: 717-787-7222
Code:
BBPAGES
Last Modified Date:
June 16, 1999
Expiration Date:
July, 2000
Document Number:
400013136
Keyword:
LEGISLATIVE-REPORT