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Bill to allow reassignment of dormant charter contracts prompts sharp divide among witnesses
Summary
HB 1676 would let the Washington State Charter School Commission reassign previously surrendered, revoked or nonrenewed charter contracts to new applicants and would cap the number of operating charter schools at 24.
House Bill 1676 would permit the Washington State Charter School Commission to reassign and authorize charter contracts that were surrendered, revoked, or not renewed and set a maximum of 24 charter schools operating at any time. The bill generated strongly divided testimony.
Ethan Moreno, committee staff, summarized the current charter framework and explained that the bill does not reopen the closed authorizing window but would allow dormant or unused contracts to be reassigned to eligible applicants under existing application standards. He also noted the bill would set a statutory cap of 24 operating charter schools.
Supporters, including the Washington State Charter School Association and several charter leaders and community organizations, said reassigning unused contracts allows high-quality operators to repurpose authorizations for communities in need. Marcus Harden of the Washington State Charter School Association emphasized the length and rigor of the application process. CJ Dancer, executive director of ACE, said charters can expand options for Black students and families.
Opponents — including the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Education Association and multiple public-school educators — cautioned that charter schools have a history of instability, closures and uneven outcomes. Janie White of the WEA cited closures that disrupted students and families and urged caution. Jenny Plaja of OSPI said charters can be fiscally inefficient and reported findings of noncompliance in some charter operations, urging investment in community public schools instead.
Witnesses on both sides cited data points: proponents said charters enroll higher rates of Black students and other underrepresented groups; opponents highlighted auditor findings and cases of schools closing at short notice. Committee time expired before any vote, and the chair encouraged written testimony for those who could not testify live.
