Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act
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This bill would allow states to use federal charter school grant funds for pre-charter planning subgrants and facility access assistance.
What it does
This bill proposes changes to the Charter Schools Program by allowing state entities to use up to 5% of their grant funds for pre-charter planning subgrants to prospective applicants. It would also permit these entities to establish revolving loan funds for applicant expenses and provide assistance in securing school facilities. Additionally, the bill would adjust the funding cap for technical assistance from a minimum of 7% to a maximum of 10% of the grant funds.
Who is affected
This bill affects state entities that receive Charter Schools Program (CSP) grants, such as state educational agencies and state charter school boards, by modifying how they may allocate grant funds. Prospective charter school applicants and authorized public chartering agencies are also affected by changes to available pre-charter planning subgrants, revolving loan funds, facility assistance, and technical assistance.
Key provisions
- Pre-charter planning subgrants. Allows state entities to use up to 5% of their Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant funds to provide subgrants to prospective charter applicants for pre-charter planning activities.
- Financial and facility assistance for applicants. Authorizes state entities to establish revolving loan funds for applicant expenses incurred prior to receiving subgrants and to assist applicants in locating and accessing school facilities.
- Adjustments to technical assistance funding. Modifies the funding structure for technical assistance, allowing state entities to use up to 10% of grant funds for this purpose rather than the current minimum requirement of 7%.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 3453, Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act· As ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and Workforce on June 25, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill modifies the existing Charter Schools Program (CSP) by adjusting how state entities may allocate grant funds for technical assistance and pre-charter planning. It specifically amends the program's requirements to allow for new subgrants, revolving loan funds, and facility assistance for prospective charter school applicants.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to modify the Charter Schools Program to provide prospective charter applicants with greater financial and technical support during the pre-charter planning phase. It expands how state entities may use grant funds, including the creation of pre-charter planning subgrants, revolving loan funds, and assistance with locating school facilities.