Senate passes charter school authorization bill creating framework for public charter schools

Senate Bill 22-41, creating a statutory framework authorizing public charter schools in North Dakota, passed the Senate 40–7 on Feb. 20, 2025.

Sponsor Senator Axman explained the bill establishes state-level authorization by the superintendent of public instruction, requires charter schools to meet state academic and graduation standards, mandates licensed North Dakota teachers, and requires charter schools to follow federal and state special-education laws (IDEA and Section 504). Charter schools would receive the same per-pupil state funding as other public schools but would not receive local property-tax dollars that fund traditional school districts; they would be governed by their own boards rather than local school boards. The bill requires community support as part of the application and employs a “charter bargain” of greater flexibility in exchange for increased accountability; the superintendent may deny renewal or revoke a charter that fails to meet performance benchmarks.

Proponents said charter schools provide alternatives for families seeking different instructional approaches (STEM, Montessori, dual-language, career-focused programs) and stressed charter schools remain public, nonreligious institutions subject to audits and the same civil-rights, health, and safety requirements as other public schools. Opponents worried about fiscal impacts on local districts and oversight, while sponsors said charter schools are an additional public option that do not replace traditional district schools.

The bill passed final reading 40–7 and will create a pathway for new charter schools subject to superintendent approval and statutory accountability measures.