The Missouri Charter Public School Commission was established in 2012 (RSMo 160.425). Lawmakers, charter school advocates and education reformers created the Commission to serve as an independent agency with the authority to sponsor high quality charter schools throughout Missouri. What makes charter schools different than other public schools? Charter schools trade autonomy for accountability. Pe
rforming schools operate independent of their schools districts, with the ability to chose their teachers, curriculum and programs, design their school culture and create community partnerships. They are held to the same outcomes as all public schools in Missouri, but are also held to a performance contract and Missouri laws governing non-profit organizations. Quality charters are renewed, for 5 year contracts. Poor quality charter schools can be closed. What does it mean to be a sponsor? The Commission agrees to protect the public's interest and protect the school's autonomy. Charter school sponsors are the "red light - green light" on charter school applications, approving applications that demonstrate the capacity to achieve its goals and a community interest for the school type. After the Commission and the State Board of Education grant a charter, the Commission enters into a contract (a charter) which details the items the school is held accountable for and to the conditions of the contract. The Missouri Charter Public School Commission consists of nine (9) Missouri citizens who volunteer their time to authorize the opening of new public charter schools. Members are appointed by the Governor, and their nominations require approval by the Missouri Senate. Please visit our website for more information.
