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Charter Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency Act
12/15/2023, 3:59 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4083
The main provisions of the bill include requiring charter schools to adhere to the same transparency and accountability standards as traditional public schools. This includes making charter schools subject to the same open meetings and public records laws as traditional public schools.
Additionally, the bill requires charter schools to report data on student demographics, academic performance, and disciplinary actions to the Department of Education. This data will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of charter schools and ensure that they are serving all students equitably. The bill also establishes a Charter School Oversight Commission, which will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating charter schools to ensure they are meeting the needs of students and operating in a fiscally responsible manner. Overall, the Charter Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency Act seeks to ensure that charter schools are held to the same standards of transparency and accountability as traditional public schools, in order to provide all students with a high-quality education.
Congressional Summary of HR 4083
Charter Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency Act or the COAT Act
This bill requires state educational agencies, in order to receive certain federal funds, to ensure that each contract between a charter school located in the state and a private charter management organization includes certain compliance requirements.
Specifically, such organization must annually disclose certain information to the Department of Education (ED), including the identity of each charter school it operates or manages, the amount expended on operations and administration, information about its contracts, and an audited income statement. ED must publish such information on its website.
Additionally, such organization must hold board meetings that are open and accessible to the public.
