passed with all present voting in favor. Sen. Stephenson, Rep. Wright, and Ms. Coombs were
absent for the vote.
MOTION: Sen. Hull moved that the task force recommend the proposed legislation provide for the establishment of new charter schools and include language which will permit public schools
to convert their status to charter schools. The motion passed unanimously with all present voting
in favor. Ms. Coombs was absent for the vote.
The task force discussed ways that converted secondary charter schools could continue to
participate in high school activities. It was pointed out that charter schools could assess fees but
no tuition may be charged. The question of public liability of charter schools generated
considerable discussion. It was noted that the risk of liability cannot be avoided and either
charter schools would be required to secure liability insurance or be required to work this issue
out with the charter's sponsor.
Charter schools, as public schools, will likely be subject to current statutes and
regulations unless waived by the chartering organization. Part of the task force believed that
charter schools need to be totally autonomous, and most felt they needed to adhere to all state
and federal laws that promote health and safety. Providing waivers for rules and regulations was
an important consideration in the task force's discussion, but due to complexities with making
provisions for waivers, this topic will be held until the next meeting.
MOTION: Ms. Rusk moved that charter school legislation ensure an opportunity for parental involvement.
Senator Steele proposed that the motion include the following language: The charter plan
shall identify and describe how parents will be involved, and how they will participate to reach
desired levels of involvement for the educational success of students. Considerable discussion
about the parental involvement component followed.
The task force agreed that parental involvement could not be a condition of enrollment,
but some members felt that it was a key component in the entire charter school movement.
Question was called for on the motion including Sen. Steele's language. Ms. Rusk's motion
passed with all present voting in favor except for Rep. Olsen who voted against the motion.
Sen. Steele said that the task force should consider adopting language that would state the
charter plan should allow certification flexibility, recognizing that some teachers may become
certificated through alternate certifications or eminence authorization or a letter of authorization
granted by the sponsoring organization.
Supt. Baugh proposed the task force begin with certification as a requirement and then
provide for specific elements of flexibility that could alter that requirement. He felt for the good
of the child, teachers should be certified. It was explained that Utah certification is as flexible as
any state in the nation and high quality teaching will not be attained without some kind of
requirement. Some committee members contended , however, that if charter schools are to enjoy
freedom there should be very limited stipulations on teacher qualifications. Others pointed out
that every other professional field has requirements and standards and a process is typically
required where a professional learns and qualifies himself to be part of that profession.
MOTION: Mr. Moore moved this topic continue to be reviewed at the next meeting. The motion passed unanimously with all present voting in favor. Ms. Hawkes was absent for the
vote.
MOTION: Sen. Hull moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously with all present voting in favor. Ms. Hawkes was absent for the vote.