Department counsel reviewed a proposed sample contract framework for charter schools intended to make authorization and renewal negotiations more consistent. The sample contract sets out definitions, term and renewal language, governance and powers, education program elements, the performance framework, enrollment/admissions, employment requirements, facilities, financial operations and audits, insurance, breach provisions and signature/notice blocks. Counsel noted the contract is a starting framework (willing buyer/willing seller) and applicants may propose negotiated edits, but deviations require stronger justification.

Board discussion focused on whether proposed performance framework metrics (for example chronic absenteeism) would be incorporated by reference, how application conditions would map into contract terms, and whether sample language would be flexible enough to accommodate different program models. Counsel said the application is incorporated into the contract following approval and that after-enacted statutes and administrative rules would become contract terms.

Separately, the board approved two one-year contract extensions (Storm Lake and West Central) to align renewal cycles across charter schools; both schools had agreed to the short extensions. The board also approved the department's charter schools legislative report, which summarized enrollment growth (to ~804 students in 24-25), financial sustainability concerns for some charters, and performance highlights for individual charters.

Ending: Department staff said the contract template will be used as a starting point for January/February authorizations and that they will continue to refine performance frameworks and monitoring practices.