State House Passes Bill Authorizing Charter Schools

State Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(By: Michael Achterling. North Dakota Monitor) – A bill to establish public charter schools in North Dakota passed the state House.

Senate Bill 2241 would allow the establishment of public charter schools in North Dakota. These schools would be under the same regulations as public schools, but operate outside the school district and be administered by their own internal governing boards, once established.

“It’s so exciting to think about the potential of what this could do in North Dakota,” said Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, chief sponsor of the bill.

The charter schools would not be able to charge tuition or teach religious curriculum. The schools would need to come to a performance agreement with the Department of Public Instruction and meet or exceed academic and graduation benchmarks set by the department.

The schools would receive state funding, about $8,160 per student for 2024-25, and could receive federal grants or donations. Charter schools would not be allowed to use the state’s school building fund.