Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposed bill would give charter schools first chance to buy closed public school properties; League seeks member input
Summary
A recently received bill concept from Rep. Candace Perucci would give charter schools a right of first refusal to acquire closed public school properties; League members raised concerns that the change could preempt municipal rights of first refusal and existing city‑district partnerships. LPC will collect member feedback via Slido.
League staff told the Legislative Policy Committee they had received a bill concept from Representative Candace Perucci that would grant charter schools a right of first refusal to acquire public school property when a district closes a school. The concept was introduced to the LPC for temperature-taking and feedback; no formal League position or vote was taken.
Under current law, cities often have a right of first refusal when a school district disposes of property, and local partnerships have repurposed closed schools as parks or community facilities. The proposed concept would place charter schools ahead of cities in the notification and purchase process, prompting concern from multiple city representatives.
"This bill says if there's any proposed sell, lease, or transfer of the property, they have to notify the charter schools first," a former league president turned city manager told the group, urging caution. Members at the meeting expressed that such a change could undermine existing city‑district partnerships and local planning processes.
Staff emphasized the League was not taking a vote but wanted initial member input to discuss the concept further with Representative Perucci. The LPC will run a Slido poll to capture member reactions and follow up with the sponsor as needed.
