FLEX Act

This bill proposes to expand the Charter Schools Program by allowing grant funds to be used for a wider range of activities, including the adoption of new academic programs, curricular approaches, and personalized learning models. It would permit eligible applicants to use funds for hiring and compensating staff beyond the initial planning period, performing facility repairs and renovations, and providing ongoing student transportation. Additionally, the Department of Education would be required to consult with charter school operators before issuing new rules and prioritize increasing enrollment for rural students and students with disabilities.

This bill affects state entities such as state educational agencies and state charter school boards, as well as charter school developers and operators. It also impacts charter school staff, including teachers who may receive compensation through expanded grant uses, and students, particularly those in rural areas or with disabilities. Additionally, the Department of Education is affected by new requirements to consult with operators and expand the use of program funds.

• Expansion of Charter School Program subgrant uses. The bill allows charter school developers to use subgrant funds for adding or expanding academic programs, delivery models, or curricular approaches, provided these changes enable more students to enroll.
• Broadened funding for staffing and facilities. Eligible applicants may use funds for hiring and compensating school staff beyond the initial planning period, as well as for facility renovations, upgrades, repairs, or the acquisition of portable classrooms.
• Enhanced transportation and payment flexibility. The legislation permits the use of funds for ongoing student transportation rather than only one-time startup costs and allows applicants to receive advance subgrant payments.
• Targeted enrollment and rural support. The Department of Education is required to use program funds to increase available seats in charter schools specifically serving rural students and students with disabilities.
• Mandatory consultation with school operators. The Department of Education must consult with charter school operators before issuing any notices of proposed rulemaking that would affect charter schools.

• H.R. 7082, FLEX Act
  Apr 7, 2026 · As ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and Workforce on January 21, 2026

This bill expands and revises the existing Charter Schools Program (CSP) by modifying the allowable uses of grant funds and updating requirements for state entities and charter school developers. It amends current regulations to permit CSP funds to be used for ongoing staff compensation, facility renovations, and student transportation beyond the initial start-up phase.

The bill aims to expand and revise the Charter Schools Program by broadening the allowable uses of federal funds for charter school developers and state entities. Its primary intent is to facilitate the addition of new academic programs, support facility improvements and transportation, and increase enrollment capacity for specific populations, including rural students and students with disabilities.