Public Invited to Review Proposed Rules for North Dakota Public Charter Schools
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction invites the public to comment on new proposed rules for public charter schools. The deadline for submitting feedback is 5 p.m.
Background and Purpose of the Rules
State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced on November 3 that these rules stem from Senate Bill 2241, passed by North Dakota legislators in April. The regulations offer guidance for developing taxpayer-supported charter schools, which operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools.
Key Requirements for Charter Schools
- Charter schools must negotiate agreements with the superintendent of public instruction.
- They are required to submit annual reports detailing academic results, budgets, and operations.
- State aid payments may be withheld from schools that fail to comply with these rules.
Additional Information
Shelby Doyle, representing the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, explained that public charter schools must admit students at no cost and accommodate all applicants. State funding is provided per pupil and follows the student to their enrolled charter school.
North Dakota’s new charter school rules, tentatively effective April 1, 2026, will require a public hearing, legislative administrative rules committee review, and vetting by the attorney general’s office.
Author’s summary: The new North Dakota rules aim to ensure oversight and accountability for charter schools while preserving their operational flexibility.