Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
A charter must be a non-profit school; however, this requirement does not apply to a school in a remote and necessary school district that has only one school.
We are not sure whether charter schools can enter into contracts with for-profit management companies:
"A public charter school may enter into contracts and may lease facilities and services from a school district, education service district, public university listed in ORS 352.002, other governmental unit or any person or legal entity."
A virtual school charter school may contract with a for-profit entity:
"If a virtual public charter school or the sponsor of a virtual public charter school contracts with a for-profit entity to provide educational services through the virtual public charter school, the for-profit entity may not be the employer of any employees of the virtual public charter school..."
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
However, a school district cannot contain only charter schools, unless there is only one school in a given district.
338.035 (6) (a-b). Establishment requirements; proposal submission timeline; prohibitions
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
A public charter school is responsible for providing transportation to students within district. Out-of-district students may use existing transportation services of a school district in which a charter school is located.
338.145(1-4). Responsibility for student transportation services; costs
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
At least a half of the total full-time equivalent teaching and administrative staff need to be licensed/registered by the commission.
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
Oregon statutes allow for virtual public schools and virtual charter schools. State statutes also allow for the Oregon Virtual School District.
338.005.6(a-b): Definitions for chapter.
336.851(1): Creation; purpose; course standards; rules
339.122(1)(a-b): Disclosures in promotional materials.
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
A virtual charter must monitor and track student progress and attendance.
338.120.(e)(A): Additional requirements for virtual public charter schools;
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
Oregon Virtual School District: any person who teaches an online course must be properly licensed.
Virtual charters must provide a plan to ensure that all superintendents, assistant superintendents and principals of the school are licensed to administer by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. Teachers who are licensed to teach by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission teach at least 95 percent of the school’s instructional hours.
336.851(2): Creation; purpose; course standards; rules.
338.120(f)(A-B): Additional requirements for virtual public charter schools
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
Can private schools be removed from voucher programs based on performance?
Are private schools in voucher programs required to provide transportation?
Interdistrict School Choice
Does the state have interdistrict choice programs?
"Pursuant to ORS 339.127, a nonresident school district may enroll a student who is a resident of another district and receive State School Fund money for the student if there is a signed Interdistrict Transfer Agreement between the resident school district, nonresident school district, and the parent/guardian(s) or person in parental relationship."