§2412.__Organizers; eligibility for application

The following entities, referred to in this chapter as "organizers," may apply for charter school status.

1.__Existing schools.__An existing noncharter public school may apply to become a charter school if 60% or more of the full-time teachers and administrators of that noncharter public school and 60% or more of the parents of children in that noncharter public school vote to apply for charter school status.__A school board of a school administrative unit, by a majority vote, may vote to apply for charter school designation through the conversion of all or some of the schools located in that administrative unit.

2.__New schools.__An application for a new charter school may be proposed by a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization.__An existing nonprofit, nonsectarian school may apply to eligible chartering authorities under section 2413 to become a charter school.

§2413.__Chartering authorities

1.__Eligible chartering authorities.__The organizers may apply to and the school may be granted a charter by a chartering authority that is:

i.A.__A local school board; or

ii.

B.__A nonsectarian, 4-year postsecondary institution.

For purposes of this chapter, "chartering authority" means one of the entities in paragraphs A and B.

2.__Approval by chartering authority.__A proposal for a charter school must be approved by an eligible chartering authority.__A charter must be approved for 15-year terms, with a major review for compliance with the terms of the charter at least once every 5 years.__A charter may be approved for a school beginning with one or more grades from preschool to high school, including alternative secondary programs for students requiring basic literacy training up to 21 years of age.__A local school board may approve the conversion of an existing noncharter public school to a charter school only in its own jurisdiction.