used similar formulas to fund charter school programs. Steve Peterson, Executive Director of
the School Superintendents Association, asked if proposed dollars to fund Centennial Choice
schools represented an allocation of new monies or competition for tax dollars now used to fund
public education.
Sen. Steele reviewed a number of charter school components with the task force that
needed to be resolved before meaningful charter school legislation could be adopted. The first
proposal would require charter schools to not discriminate for any reason against students who
apply other than for available space. Discussion around this issue included several concerns. For
example, if a handicapped student applies at a school established to pursue a physical or
intellectual goal beyond his capability, should the school be required to change its mission? Rep.
Wright felt most parents will direct their children to a charter school emphasizing the kind of
training they desire. Open enrollment and specialization tend to be incompatible ideas that often
are overridden by discrimination. To maintain public school status, charter schools should not
establish specific admissions requirements.
MOTION: Rep. King moved that charter school legislation not permit discrimination except for limitations in available space. The motion passed with Sen. Stephenson and Rep. Olsen voting
against the motion.
Charter school governance was the next concept placed for discussion. Sen. Steele said
this proposal will establish a site-based authority and governance model that is totally defined by
each charter seeking group with the exception of basic health and safety standards. Supt. Baugh
noted that the charter school granting authority typically will either accept, reject, or modify a
proposal to become a charter school.
MOTION: Supt Laing moved that a site-based governance model be totally defined by the charter seeking group, except for basic standards of health and safety. The motion passed
unanimously.
Sen. Steele said the next charter school concept on his list proposes how parents will be
involved with their charter school. He felt the charter school plan should describe how parents
will be involved and participate in the school. It was clear to the task force members that charter
schools typically will provide an opportunity for substantial parental involvement, but they
found it difficult to conclude if parents should participate in the development of day-to-day
operation policies before the school is created and/or governance policies after it is established.
Sen. Stephenson suggested that specific charter schools may not even require parental
involvement. The chair determined to take no action on this concept and to revisit it at the next
meeting.
The next concept discussed dealt with the emphasis or mission of each charter school
and its instructional goals.
MOTION: Sen. Hull moved that each charter-seeking group should be required to disclose its charter's emphasis, instruction goals, and instructional calendar. The motion passed
unanimously.
The concept of allowing for flexibility in teacher certification requirements was the next
issue for discussion. Sen. Hull said state law and board rules currently makes provisions for
some certification flexibility as well as flexibility within the certification process. Rep. King felt
that employing uncertified charter school teachers would be an acceptable consideration if they
met the same standards and requirements as certified teachers. Rep. Wright felt individuals with
subject matter expertise should be allowed to teach. Mr. Laing summarized four ways for a non-
certificated person to teach in Utah public schools: 1) persons with vocational expertise may be
given a TNI certificate endorsement; 2) individuals with particular expertise in a subject area
who teach two hours per day or less can receive an imminent waiver or authorization; 3) a full
time teacher without certification may teach with a letter of authorization until such time as the
teacher completes all certification requirements; and 4) an uncertified teacher may teach and
concurrently participate in an alternative teacher training program. He felt that on a day-to-day
basis, college trained teachers learn instructional and presentation expertise that often is subtle
but extremely important to student learning. Sen. Stephenson felt that an orthodox teaching
methodology may not be essential in a charter school setting.
MOTION: Sen. Hull moved that each charter school plan may allow for flexibility in employing non-certificated personnel. The motion passed. Rep. King and Ms. Rusk abstained and Supt.
Laing voted against the motion.
3. Adjournment -
MOTION: Sen. Hull moved to adjourn at 3:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.