Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.

Section 1.

Changes the preliminary function of the Charter Schools Review Board (CSRB) in the State Board of Education’s (Board) rulemaking under GS 115C-218 (a1), from needing to first approve any rule for the operation and approval of charter schools adopted by the Board to requiring that any such rule adopted by the Board be first recommended by the CSRB. Reduces the number of voting members on the CSRB back to 11 (was, 12) and removes the proposed inclusion of the Superintendent of Public Instruction or their designee as a voting member of the CSRB. Changes the approval authority over training for charter schools or coordinating services with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for Office of Charter Schools from the Board to the CSRB.  

Amends the role of the Board under GS 115C-218.90 (employment requirements) to specify that the Board has final decision-making authority on the approval of charter applications, renewals, revocations, and amendments.  Changes the entity establishing a competitive bid process under GS 115C-218.95 (cause for nonrenewal or termination of charter schools) back to the Board (was, CSRB).

Makes  clarifying changes to GS 115C-218.105 (state and local funds for a charter school) and conforming change to account for new recommended language.

Makes clarifying change to GS 115C-218.15 (pertaining to charter school operation), GS 115C-296.2 (defining North Carolina Public School) and GS 135-5.3 (optional participation for charter schools operated by private nonprofit corporations or municipalities).