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Charter School Commission director says continuity policy structures public process, not transfers
Summary
Marcus Harden, executive director of the Washington State Charter School Commission, told JARC the continuity policy "does not transfer a charter contract" and instead creates a public, evidence-based pathway that remains subject to a commission vote; he also outlined stakeholder engagement beginning April 2025 and public discussion in October 2025.
Marcus Harden, the Commission's executive director, told the committee that the continuity policy is an implementation tool and not a substitute for statutory authority. "The policy itself does not transfer a charter contract, issue or create a new charter authority," Harden said, adding that any final reassignment would require a later public commission vote.
Harden described an extended stakeholder outreach timeline and public work: "We've actually begun this process in April 2025," he said, and he noted public meetings and an RFP process to identify potential nonprofit operators. Harden said the policy organizes evidence and public input for commissioners to consider and stressed the Commission's intent to remain within its delegated authority while emphasizing continuity for students.
