The Washington State Board of Education has initiated the process of implementing a framework for the state’s first public charter schools.

The Board’s work with public charter schools began with the apparent passage of Initiative 1240. Though the results are not yet final, the ‘yes’ vote leads by approximately 45,000 votes. The final results may not be official until Dec. 6, the last day results can be certified by the Secretary of State.

Assuming approval, the State Board of Education will work closely with the new Washington State Charter School Commission to oversee up to 40 new public charter schools. The State Board is also responsible for submitting annual charter school performance reviews to the Governor and Legislature, as well as an analysis of the public charter schools program five years after its induction.

Initiative 1240 calls for the State Board of Education to work with local school districts who wish to authorize a charter school. Charter school authorizers must apply to the State Board for license and must also submit annual reports to the Board evaluating charter schools’ performance under contract.

By March of 2013, the State Board will establish an annual application and approval process and timelines for local school boards seeking approval to be charter school authorizers. The Board will hold a public hearing on proposed rules in February of 2013.

For more information on charter schools visit www.sbe.wa.gov/charters.php