FAQ

Find the answers to your most frequently asked questions!

Who manages the implementation of charter schools in North Dakota?

The superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction manages applications, performance agreements, and oversight of North Dakota charter schools.

What is in a Charter Performance Agreement?

Within 60 days of an application being approved, the superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction and the charter school’s governing board will execute a Charter Performance Agreement (for a five-year term) that includes:

Academic, operational, and fiscal performance expectations and measures
Description of the standards and processes that the superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction will use to oversee and monitor the school
Actions that could cause the Charter Performance Agreement to be revoked
Indicators related to student academic proficiency, student academic growth, attendance, recurrent enrollment, readiness for success upon graduation, financial performance, governance
performance, and family and community engagement
Annual performance targets to keep the charter school in compliance with federal and state requirements

How can I make sure I maintain my Charter Performance Agreement?

Charter performance agreements can be revoked at any time after a public meeting (unless an imminent public safety issue is determined) or not renewed if the superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction determines the charter school:

Failed to comply with the items laid out in the law
Committed a material violation of a term, condition, standard, or procedure required in the school’s charter performance agreement
Failed to make sufficient progress toward the performance expectations under the charter performance agreement
Failed to meet accepted standards of fiscal management

The charter school has 30 days to respond to the notice to revoke the Charter Performance Agreement. Reasons for nonrenewal or revoking a charter performance agreement must be published by the superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction.

What are the requirements for charter school teachers?

Charter school teachers must be licensed and meet the same requirements as traditional public school teachers.

Can I operate multiple charter schools under one Charter Performance Agreement?

Yes! More than one charter school may be authorized under an approved Charter Performance Agreement if the charter schools are separate and distinct from one another.

How quickly after approval do I need to open my school?

A charter school may delay its opening for up to one school year after approval. Delaying opening by more than one school year requires an extension to be granted by the Department of Public Instruction.

How often will I need to renew my application to maintain my charter?

Renewals of charter performance agreements may occur every five years.

Will I need to pay property taxes on my facility?

No! Good news — charter school facilities are exempt from property taxes.

What kind of zoning is required for charter schools?

It depends on where you are located! Local city/county zoning ordinances and state education guidelines (still underway in the rulemaking process) will determine this. Check with the city or town council planning department in the area where you are seeking to be located to find out what ordinances are applicable.

Can the Department of Public Instruction close or dissolve a charter school?

Yes, if a school is not meeting the requirements of its Charter Performance Agreement in the annual review (and doesn’t rectify those issues within the “reasonable” period given) or if the Department rejects that school’s application for renewal after the first five-year term (which will only happen if you haven’t met requirements and rectified issues identified), the charter may be closed or dissolved and the parents notified.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Reach out to our team for support!