Section 180-19-260. Authorizer oversight—Transfer of charter contract.

(1) In the event that a notice of revocation is provided to the authorizer under WAC 180-19-250, any charter contract held by that authorizer shall be transferred, for the remaining portion of the charter term, to the Washington charter school commission on documentation of mutual agreement to the transfer by the charter school and the commission.

(2) Documentation of mutual agreement shall consist of a written agreement between the charter school board and the commission, signed and dated by the chair or president of the charter school board and the chair of the commission. The agreement shall include any modification or amendment of the charter contract as may be mutually agreed upon by the charter school board and the commission.

(3) The commission shall submit the agreement to the state board of education. The board shall review the agreement and on a determination that the requirements of these rules have been met, issue written certification of the transfer of the charter contract to the charter school governing board and the commission.

(4) On certification by the board of the transfer of the charter contract, the prior authorizer shall transfer to the commission all student records and school performance data collected and maintained in the performance of its duties as an authorizer under RCW 28A.710.100 and 28A.710.170.

(5) The commission, in consultation with the charter school governing board, shall develop and implement a procedure for timely notification to parents of the transfer of the charter contract and any modifications or amendments to the charter included in the written agreement executed under subsection (2) of this section.

(6) If mutual agreement is not obtained on the transfer of the charter contract under RCW 28A.710.120(6) and this section, the charter school shall be closed under the provisions of RCW 28A.710.210. The district shall develop and implement a termination protocol to ensure timely notification to parents, orderly transition of students and student records to new schools, as necessary, and proper disposition of public school funds, property, and assets. The protocol must include, at a minimum, a plan for addressing the following:

(a) Adequate and timely communication with parents, school staff and the community regarding the closing of the charter school and the options for student transfer to another public school;

(b) Retention of student, personnel, governance and financial records in compliance with all applicable laws and policies;

(c) The transfer of all student records in accordance with privacy rules set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any applicable state laws and school district policies;

(d) Resolution of all financial obligations associated with the closure of the charter school;

(e) Return of the public funds in the possession of the charter school as provided for in RCW 28A.710.201(2), or as required by any other state law; and

(f) A plan for the disposition of all other assets, in compliance with applicable state and federal laws or district policies governing the assets.

The protocol must specify tasks, timelines, and responsible parties, including delineating the respective duties of the charter school and the authorizer. The district shall provide the board with a copy of the termination protocol. The board may review the protocol and request revisions for implementation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.710.120 (1) and (7). WSR 14-08-033, § 180-19-260, filed 3/25/14, effective 4/25/14.]

RCW 28A.710.120 (1) and (7). WSR 14-08-033, § 180-19-260, filed 3/25/14, effective 4/25/14.

Rules

180-19-250,