Charter School Authorizing Board Information – EFI

ARIZONA
# Active Authorizers: 2
AZ State Board for Charter Schools (ASBCS)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor
Statute: Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 15, Section 181

Arizona State University

# of Board Members: 12
Appointed by: Governor
Statute: Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 15, Section 1621

UTAH
# Active Authorizers: 2
UT State Charter School Board

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor (nominated by specified groups)
Statute: Utah State Code, Title 53G, Chapter 5, Section 201

Utah State University

# of Board Members: 10
Appointed by: Governor (8), ex-officio (2)
Statute: Utah State Code, Title 53G, Chapter 5, Part 304

NORTH CAROLINA
# Active Authorizers: 1
Charter School Review Board (CSRB)

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by:
- Senate President (4)
- House Speaker (4)
- State Board of Ed (2)
- Lt. Governor (1)
Statute: NC General Statute 115C-218

SOUTH CAROLINA
# Active Authorizers: 3
South Carolina Public Charter School District

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor, House, Senate, and State Superintendent of Education
Statute: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 59, Chapter 40, Section 230

Charter Institute at Erskine

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, House, Senate, and Erskine College appointees
Statute: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 59, Chapter 40, Section 50

Limestone Charter Association

# of Board Members: Not specified in statute; typically 7–9 (based on standard higher education authorizer boards)
Appointed by: Limestone University, with oversight by the South Carolina Department of Education
Statute: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 59, Chapter 40, Section 50

TEXAS
# Active Authorizers: 3
Texas Education Agency (TEA)

# of Board Members: 15 (State Board of Education)
Appointed by: Elected by Texas voters
Statute: Texas Education Code, Title 2, Subtitle C, Chapter 12, Subchapter D

Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 7–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Texas Education Code, Title 2, Subtitle C, Chapter 12, Subchapter C

The University of Texas System

# of Board Members: 9 (Board of Regents)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Texas Education Code, Title 2, Subtitle C, Chapter 12, Subchapter D

Notes:

Texas Education Agency (TEA): The TEA oversees state-authorized open-enrollment charter schools under Texas Education Code, Title 2, Chapter 12, Subchapter D. The State Board of Education (SBOE), which governs TEA’s authorizing activities, has 15 members elected by Texas voters (tea.texas.gov).
Local School Districts: District-authorized charters operate under Subchapter C, with local school boards (typically 7–9 members, elected locally) serving as authorizers. The number of board members varies by district, as there are approximately 1,000 school districts in Texas, with 14 currently authorizing charters.
The University of Texas System: Higher education institutions, specifically public senior colleges or universities, can authorize charters under Subchapter D, Section 12.101. The University of Texas System’s Board of Regents, with 9 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, oversees its charter activities (utcharter.org; texreg.sos.state.tx.us).

FLORIDA
# Active Authorizers: 4
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Florida Statutes, Title XLVIII, Chapter 1002, Section 33

Charter School Review Commission

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House
Statute: Florida Statutes, Title XLVIII, Chapter 1002, Section 3301

Tallahassee State College

# of Board Members: 7 (Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Florida Statutes, Title XLVIII, Chapter 1002, Section 33

Florida Charter Institute (Miami Dade College)

# of Board Members: 7 (Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Florida Statutes, Title XLVIII, Chapter 1002, Section 33

Notes:

Local School Districts: Florida has 47 active district authorizers overseeing 732 charter schools in 2024–25, with board sizes varying (typically 5–9 members, elected locally). They handle application approvals, monitoring, and renewals under Florida Statutes, Chapter 1002.33. (flauthorizers.org; fldoe.org)
Charter School Review Commission: Established under Section 1002.3301, this commission reviews and approves charter school applications, with local districts required to sponsor approved schools. It has 7 members appointed by the governor, Senate President, and House Speaker. (fldoe.org; flcharterschool.org)
Tallahassee State College: Approved as Florida’s first college authorizer in 2022, it oversees the Tallahassee Collegiate Academy. Its Board of Trustees, with 7 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, governs authorizing activities.
Florida Charter Institute (Miami Dade College): Approved by the Florida Department of Education to authorize charter schools in Miami-Dade County, governed by a 7-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation.

COLORADO
# Active Authorizers: 2

Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 22, Article 30.5, Part 1

Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 22, Article 30.5, Part 5

Notes:

Local School Districts: Colorado has 45 school districts actively authorizing approximately 220 of the state’s 272 charter schools, serving about 130,000 students (15% of public school enrollment). Board sizes typically range from 5 to 7 members, elected by local voters, as outlined in C.R.S. 22-30.5-104. Some districts have exclusive chartering authority (ECA), while others allow CSI authorization with permission or waiver (cde.state.co.us).
Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI): Established in 2004 under C.R.S. 22-30.5-501, CSI authorizes 43 charter schools across Colorado, serving about 20,000 students. Its 9-member board is appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, as specified in C.R.S. 22-30.5-503 (csi.state.co.us).

CALIFORNIA
# Active Authorizers: 3

Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: California Education Code, Title 2, Division 4, Part 26.8, Section 47605

County Offices of Education (COEs)

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per county
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: California Education Code, Title 2, Division 4, Part 26.8, Section 47605.5

California State Board of Education (SBE)

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: California Education Code, Title 2, Division 4, Part 26.8, Section 47605.8

Notes:

Local School Districts: Approximately 280 school districts authorize the majority of California’s 1,300+ charter schools, serving about 10% of public school students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and handle charter approvals and oversight under Education Code Section 47605 (cde.ca.gov).
County Offices of Education (COEs): 49 COEs authorize charters, particularly when a charter is denied by a district or operates countywide. County boards, also typically 5–7 members, are elected locally, as specified in Section 47605.5 (ccsa.org).
California State Board of Education (SBE): The SBE authorizes statewide benefit charters and serves as an appellate body for denied applications. It has 11 members, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, per Section 47605.8 and general SBE governance rules (cde.ca.gov).

MINNESOTA
# Active Authorizers: 3

Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 124E, Section 05

Minnesota Guild of Public Charter Schools

# of Board Members: Not specified in statute; typically 5–inspecting board
Appointed by: Self-governed nonprofit board, appointed per internal bylaws
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 124E, Section 05

Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA)

# of Board Members: Not specified in statute; typically 5–7 per nonprofit governance standards
Appointed by: Self-governed nonprofit board, appointed per internal bylaws
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 124E, Section 05

Notes:

Local School Districts: Eight districts currently authorize charter schools, with boards typically having 5–7 members elected by local voters. They oversee a portion of Minnesota’s 173 charter schools under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 124E, Section 05, serving approximately 70,000 students (education.mn.gov).
Minnesota Guild of Public Charter Schools: A single-purpose authorizer focused on teacher-powered models, overseeing multiple charter schools. Board size isn’t specified in statutes but typically follows nonprofit standards (5–7 members), self-appointed per internal bylaws (guildschools.org; mncharterschools.org).
Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA): A nonprofit authorizer managing a portfolio of charter schools, emphasizing student service and innovation. Board size isn’t detailed in statutes but aligns with typical nonprofit governance (5–7 members), self-appointed per internal bylaws (voamnwi.org).
Minnesota has 12 approved authorizers, including colleges/un buckle like the University of St. Thomas and Novation Education Opportunities (NEO). I’ve selected these three to represent the diversity of authorizers, as others (e.g., universities, single-purpose authorizers) have variable board sizes and appointment processes. Local districts and major nonprofits like the Guild and VOA are the most prominent.

NEW YORK
# Active Authorizers: 3

Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 7–13 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters; NYC Panel for Educational Policy appointed by mayor and borough presidents
Statute: New York Education Law, Article 56, Section 2590

New York State Board of Regents

# of Board Members: 17
Appointed by: Elected by the New York State Legislature
Statute: New York Education Law, Article 56, Section 2851

State University of New York (SUNY) Charter Schools Institute

# of Board Members: 18 (SUNY Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: New York Education Law, Article 56, Section 2851

Notes:

Local School Districts: Approximately 40 districts authorize charter schools, with the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) overseeing the majority (about 275 of New York’s 340 charter schools). District boards vary in size (7–13 members, elected locally), but NYC’s Panel for Educational Policy (13 members) is appointed by the mayor and borough presidents under Education Law Section 2590 (nysed.gov; schools.nyc.gov).
New York State Board of Regents: The Board of Regents, with 17 members elected by the State Legislature, authorizes charters statewide and oversees NYSED’s charter school office. It handles direct applications and renewals under Education Law Section 2851, serving as a key authorizer for non-NYC charters (nysed.gov).
State University of New York (SUNY) Charter Schools Institute: SUNY’s Charter Schools Institute, governed by the 18-member SUNY Board of Trustees (appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation), authorizes a significant portion of charters, especially in NYC, under Education Law Section 2851. It manages applications, oversight, and renewals (newyorkcharters.org).

GEORGIA
# Active Authorizers: 3

Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Georgia Code, Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 6, Section 20-2-2063

State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House
Statute: Georgia Code, Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 31A, Section 20-2-2082

Georgia State Board of Education

# of Board Members: 14
Appointed by: Governor
Statute: Georgia Code, Title 20, Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 20-2-2063.1

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 70 of Georgia’s 180 school districts authorize around 80 locally approved charter schools, serving about 86,000 students. District boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters under Georgia Code Section 20-2-2063 (gadoe.org).
State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC): Established under Section 20-2-2082, the SCSC authorizes 30 state-chartered schools. Its 7-member board is appointed by the governor (3 members), lieutenant governor (2 members), and Speaker of the House (2 members) (scsc.georgia.gov).
Georgia State Board of Education: The State Board, with 14 members appointed by the governor, authorizes state-chartered special schools (distinct from SCSC charters) under Section 20-2-2063.1. It oversees a small number of specialized charters, often with unique governance structures (gadoe.org).

PENNSYLVANIA
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 24, Chapter 17, Section 1716-A

State Charter Appeal Board (CAB)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 24, Chapter 17, Section 1721-A

Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)

# of Board Members: Not applicable (departmental oversight, no distinct board for authorizing)
Appointed by: Not applicable; managed by PDE leadership under the Secretary of Education
Statute: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 24, Chapter 17, Section 1729.1-A

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 162 of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts authorize around 161 brick-and-mortar charter schools, serving about 140,000 students. District boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters and handle charter approvals and oversight under Title 24, Chapter 17, Section 1716-A (education.pa.gov).
State Charter Appeal Board (CAB): The CAB, established under Section 1721-A, consists of 7 members appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation. It reviews appeals of district decisions and can authorize charters directly in certain cases, particularly for brick-and-mortar charters (education.pa.gov).
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE): The PDE authorizes 14 cyber charter schools under Section 1729.1-A, with oversight managed by departmental leadership rather than a distinct board. The Secretary of Education, appointed by the governor, plays a key role in cyber charter approvals (education.pa.gov).

OHIO
# Active Authorizers: 4
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Ohio Revised Code, Title 33, Chapter 3314, Section 3314.02

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW)

# of Board Members: 19 (State Board of Education)
Appointed by: 11 elected by voters, 8 appointed by the Governor
Statute: Ohio Revised Code, Title 33, Chapter 3314, Section 3314.015

Buckeye Community Hope Foundation

# of Board Members: Not specified in statute; typically 5–7 per nonprofit governance standards
Appointed by: Self-governed nonprofit board, appointed per internal bylaws
Statute: Ohio Revised Code, Title 33, Chapter 3314, Section 3314.02

St. Aloysius Orphanage

# of Board Members: Not specified in statute; typically 5–7 per nonprofit governance standards
Appointed by: Self-governed nonprofit board, appointed per internal bylaws
Statute: Ohio Revised Code, Title 33, Chapter 3314, Section 3314.02

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 40 of Ohio’s 600+ school districts authorize around 100 of the state’s 300+ community schools (charter schools), serving about 100,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters under Ohio Revised Code Section 3314.02 (education.ohio.gov).
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW): The ODEW, through the State Board of Education (19 members: 11 elected, 8 appointed by the governor), authorizes community schools directly, particularly for new startups or schools in “challenged” districts, under Section 3314.015. It oversees about 50 community schools (education.ohio.gov).
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation: A prominent nonprofit authorizer, overseeing around 30 community schools. Its board, typically 5–7 members, is self-governed per internal bylaws, as permitted under Section 3314.02 (buckeyehope.org).
St. Aloysius Orphanage: Another key nonprofit authorizer, managing approximately 20 community schools. Its board, typically 5–7 members, is self-appointed per internal bylaws, as allowed under Section 3314.02 (staloysius.org).

INDIANA
# Active Authorizers: 4
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Indiana Code, Title 20, Article 24, Section 20-24-3-1

Indiana Charter School Board (ICSB)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore
Statute: Indiana Code, Title 20, Article 24, Section 20-24-2.1-2

Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Mayor (6 members) and City-County Council (3 members)
Statute: Indiana Code, Title 20, Article 24, Section 20-24-3-2

Ball State University

# of Board Members: 9 (Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Governor
Statute: Indiana Code, Title 20, Article 24, Section 20-24-3-2

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 10 districts, such as Evansville-Vanderburgh, authorize charter schools, overseeing a small portion of Indiana’s 121 charter schools serving about 50,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters under Indiana Code Section 20-24-3-1 (in.gov).
Indiana Charter School Board (ICSB): Established under Section 20-24-2.1-2, the ICSB authorizes 32 charter schools, including the Excel Center and Purdue Polytechnic. Its 9-member board is appointed by the governor (4), Superintendent of Public Instruction (2), House Speaker (1), and Senate President Pro Tempore (2) (in.gov).
Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation: The Mayor’s Office, unique in the U.S., authorizes about 18,000 students across 62 Indianapolis charter schools. Its 9-member board includes 6 mayoral appointees and 3 City-County Council appointees under Section 20-24-3-2.
Ball State University: Ball State authorizes a significant number of charters, including Indiana Connections Career Academy, with its 9-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor under Section 20-24-3-2.

MICHIGAN
# Active Authorizers: 4
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 380.501

Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per ISD
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 380.501

Bay Mills Community College

# of Board Members: 7 (Board of Regents)
Appointed by: Bay Mills Indian Community Tribal Council
Statute: Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 380.501

Grand Valley State University

# of Board Members: 8 (Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 380.501

Notes

Local School Districts: Nineteen of Michigan’s 539 school districts authorize approximately 50 of the state’s 368 charter schools, serving around 150,000 students. District boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters within their geographic boundaries under MCL 380.501 (michigan.gov).
Intermediate School Districts (ISDs): Around 10 of Michigan’s 56 ISDs authorize about 30 charter schools, often for special populations like alternative education students. ISD boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected locally under MCL 380.501 (michigan.gov).
Bay Mills Community College: A tribally controlled community college, Bay Mills authorizes approximately 40 charter schools statewide, leveraging its unique status to operate without geographic restrictions. Its 7-member Board of Regents is appointed by the Bay Mills Indian Community Tribal Council under MCL 380.501 (bmcc.edu).
Grand Valley State University: One of the largest university authorizers, GVSU oversees about 80 charter schools. Its 8-member Board of Trustees is appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, as enabled by MCL 380.501 (gvsu.edu).

WISCONSIN
# Active Authorizers: 4
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 118, Section 118.40

Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO), University of Wisconsin System

# of Board Members: 11 (UW System Board of Regents)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 118, Section 118.40

City of Milwaukee Common Council

# of Board Members: 15
Appointed by: Elected by Milwaukee voters
Statute: Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 118, Section 118.40

Waukesha County Executive

# of Board Members: 1 (County Executive)
Appointed by: Elected by Waukesha County voters
Statute: Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 118, Section 118.40

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 200 of Wisconsin’s 421 school districts authorize around 188 of the state’s 231 charter schools, serving about 51,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters under Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.40 (dpi.wi.gov).
Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO), University of Wisconsin System: The OEO, under the UW System Board of Regents (11 members, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation), authorizes independent charter schools, primarily in Milwaukee and Dane Counties, under Section 118.40. It oversees a small but growing number of charters (wisconsin.edu).
City of Milwaukee Common Council: The Common Council, with 15 members elected by Milwaukee voters, authorizes charters in Milwaukee County and adjacent counties, focusing on at-risk students, under Section 118.40. It oversees about 10% of Wisconsin’s charters (dpi.wi.gov).
Waukesha County Executive: The County Executive, a single elected official, authorizes charters in Waukesha County under Section 118.40, typically managing a limited number of schools with a focus on local needs (dpi.wi.gov).

MAINE
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, Chapter 112, Section 2405

Maine Charter School Commission (MCSC)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: State Board of Education, with 3 members from the Board and 4 public members approved by the Board
Statute: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, Chapter 112, Section 2405

Notes

Local School Districts: Any of Maine’s 192 school districts can authorize charter schools upon approval from the State Board of Education, but few actively do so, with most charters overseen by the MCSC. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters under Title 20-A, Section 2405 (maine.gov)
Maine Charter School Commission (MCSC): Established under Title 20-A, Section 2405, the MCSC authorizes 9 public charter schools, serving approximately 2,700 students. Its 7-member board includes 3 members from the State Board of Education and 4 public members approved by the Board, appointed for staggered terms (maine.gov).

NEW HAMPSHIRE
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters; final authorization by local legislative body (voters in towns or city council in cities)
Statute: New Hampshire Revised Statutes, Title 15, Chapter 194-B, Section 194-B:3

New Hampshire State Board of Education

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor, with Executive Council confirmation
Statute: New Hampshire Revised Statutes, Title 15, Chapter 194-B, Section 194-B:3

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 162 school districts in New Hampshire can authorize charter schools, but few do, with final approval from the local legislative body (voters in towns via warrant articles or city councils). District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters, and the process is outlined under RSA 194-B:3. Only a small number of the state’s 37 charter schools are locally authorized (education.nh.gov).
New Hampshire State Board of Education: The State Board, established under RSA 194-B:3, authorizes most of New Hampshire’s 37 charter schools, serving about 5,530 students. Its 7-member board is appointed by the governor with Executive Council confirmation. It reviews applications biannually (January and June) and directly funds state-authorized charters (education.nh.gov).

VERMONT
# Active Authorizers: 1
Vermont State Board of Education

# of Board Members: 10
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Vermont Statutes, Title 16, Chapter 3, Section 164

Notes

Vermont State Board of Education: Vermont lacks a charter school law, so no public charter schools exist. The State Board of Education, with 10 members appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, approves independent schools under Title 16, Section 164, which can function similarly to charters but are privately funded. Approximately 100 independent schools serve about 10,000 students, with oversight focused on compliance with state standards (education.vermont.gov).

MASSACHUSETTS
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 89

Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by: Governor
Statute: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 89

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 30 of Massachusetts’s 350 school districts authorize Horace Mann charter schools, which operate within district oversight but require BESE approval. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters. Horace Mann charters, about 10 of the state’s 76 charter schools, serve roughly 2,000 students under Chapter 71, Section 89 (mass.gov).
Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE): The BESE is the primary authorizer for all 76 charter schools (66 Commonwealth and 10 Horace Mann), serving about 40,000 students. Its 11-member board, appointed by the governor, oversees approvals, renewals, and expansions under Chapter 71, Section 89. Commonwealth charters operate independently, while Horace Mann charters involve district collaboration (doe.mass.edu).

CONNECTICUT
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Connecticut General Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 164, Section 10-66bb

Connecticut State Board of Education

# of Board Members: 14
Appointed by: Governor, with General Assembly confirmation
Statute: Connecticut General Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 164, Section 10-66bb

Notes

Local School Districts: Local or regional boards of education can authorize local charter schools, but only one, Elm City Montessori in New Haven, is currently active, serving approximately 300 students. District boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters and require State Board approval for charters under Section 10-66bb. Most of Connecticut’s 21 charter schools are state-authorized (ct.gov,).
Connecticut State Board of Education: The primary authorizer, overseeing 20 state charter schools serving about 11,000 students, with 94% being students of color. The 14-member board, appointed by the governor with General Assembly confirmation, grants initial and final approvals, with legislative funding required since 2015 under Section 10-66bb (ct.gov,,).

RHODE ISLAND
# Active Authorizers: 1
Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Rhode Island General Laws, Title 16, Chapter 77, Section 16-77-5.1

Notes

Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education: Designated as the sole authorizer under Rhode Island General Law 16-77-5.1(b), the Council oversees all 35 charter schools, serving approximately 12,824 students. The 11-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, is responsible for charter approval, renewal, and revocation, with support from RIDE’s charter team for accountability and monitoring (ride.ri.gov).
Local School Districts: Local districts, such as Providence and Cranston, do not directly authorize charters but must provide written support via a resolution or ordinance from their city or town council for proposed network charter schools, as required by Rhode Island General Law 16-77-5.1. This process involves public hearings but is not equivalent to authorizing, as final authority rests with the Council (ride.ri.gov).

NEW JERSEY
# Active Authorizers: 1
New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)

# of Board Members: Not applicable (Commissioner of Education holds authority)
Appointed by: Commissioner appointed by Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 18A, Chapter 36A, Section 18A:36A-3

Notes

New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE): The NJDOE, through the Office of Charter and Renaissance Schools, is the sole authorizer for New Jersey’s 91 charter schools, serving approximately 63,000 students across 18 counties. The Commissioner of Education, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, holds final authority for charter approvals, renewals, and closures under N.J.S.A. 18A:36A-3. The NJDOE administers two application rounds (March and October) with a two-phase review process (www.nj.gov).
Local School Districts: Local school districts, such as those in Newark or Jersey City, do not authorize charters but are allowed to comment on applications during the review process. Their input is non-binding, as the Commissioner retains sole authority under N.J.S.A. 18A:36A-4 (www.nj.gov).

DELAWARE
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Delaware Code, Title 14, Chapter 5, Section 506

Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)

# of Board Members: 7 (State Board of Education)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Delaware Code, Title 14, Chapter 5, Section 506

Notes

Local School Districts: Any of Delaware’s 19 school districts can authorize charter schools, but few do, with most of the state’s 23 charter schools authorized by the DDOE. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters within their boundaries under Title 14, Section 506. Examples include the Red Clay Consolidated School District, which sponsors charters like Charter School of Wilmington (education.delaware.gov, publiccharters.org).
Delaware Department of Education (DDOE): The DDOE, with assent from the 7-member State Board of Education (appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation), is the primary authorizer, overseeing 23 charter schools serving approximately 17,000 students. It handles approvals, modifications, renewals, and closures under Title 14, Section 506, with support from the Charter School Accountability Committee (CSAC) (education.delaware.gov, decharternetwork.org).

MARYLAND
# Active Authorizers: 1
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters or appointed by local government (varies by district)
Statute: Maryland Code, Education Article, Title 9, Section 9-103

Notes

Local School Districts: Seven of Maryland’s 24 local school districts actively authorize approximately 50 charter schools, serving about 19,000 students. District boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters or appointed (e.g., Baltimore City’s board is appointed by the mayor and governor). They oversee charter approvals and monitoring under Title 9, Section 9-103. If a district denies a charter, applicants can appeal to the Maryland State Board of Education, which may direct the district to grant the charter (marylandpublicschools.org).

WASHINGTON, DC
# Active Authorizers: 1
DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Mayor of the District of Columbia
Statute: District of Columbia Official Code, Title 38, Chapter 18, Section 38-1802.01

Notes

DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB): Established under DC Official Code Section 38-1802.01, the PCSB is the sole authorizer for Washington, DC’s 128 charter schools, serving nearly 50% of the city’s public school students (approximately 48,000). The 7-member board, appointed by the Mayor, oversees charter approvals, renewals, and closures, with a focus on academic performance, equity, and financial stability. It has closed 23 underperforming schools over the past six years and approved expansions for 31 high-performing schools (dcpcsb.org).

VIRGINIA
# Active Authorizers: 1
Local School Divisions

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per division
Appointed by: Elected by local voters or appointed by local governing body (varies by division)
Statute: Code of Virginia, Title 22.1, Chapter 13, Section 22.1-212.8

Notes

Local School Divisions: Only 4 of Virginia’s 132 local school divisions actively authorize 9 charter schools, serving approximately 1,200 students. School boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters or appointed by local governing bodies (e.g., city councils or county boards of supervisors) under Code of Virginia Section 22.1-212.8. Divisions like Albemarle County and York County host charters, but Virginia’s restrictive charter law limits growth, requiring local board approval and no independent authorizers (doe.virginia.gov).

WEST VIRGINIA
# Active Authorizers: 3
County School Boards

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5 per county
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: West Virginia Code, Chapter 18, Article 5G, Section 18-5G-2

West Virginia Professional Charter School Board (WVPCSB)

# of Board Members: 5
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: West Virginia Code, Chapter 18, Article 5G, Section 18-5G-15

West Virginia Board of Education

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: West Virginia Code, Chapter 18, Article 5G, Section 18-5G-2

Notes

County School Boards: West Virginia’s 55 county school boards can authorize charter schools within their jurisdictions or jointly for schools spanning multiple counties, as per Section 18-5G-2. Few counties actively authorize, with most of the state’s 10 charter schools (including 3 brick-and-mortar and 2 virtual) overseen by the WVPCSB. County boards, typically 5 members, are elected by local voters (wvde.us, wvcharters.org).[](https://wvcharters.org/faq)[](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-5G-2/)
West Virginia Professional Charter School Board (WVPCSB): Established under Section 18-5G-15, the WVPCSB is the primary authorizer, approving 5 charter schools in 2021, including West Virginia Academy and Virtual Preparatory Academy. Its 5-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, focuses on high-quality charters, particularly for at-risk students (wvcharters.org).
West Virginia Board of Education: The Board authorizes charters only in specific cases, such as when county boards request it or in counties where the state has intervened in local school operations, per Section 18-5G-2. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, oversees 10 charter schools serving about 2,000 students (wvde.us).[](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-5G-2/)[](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-5G-4/)

KENTUCKY
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 160, Section 160.1590

Mayors of Louisville and Lexington

# of Board Members: 1 (Mayor)
Appointed by: Elected by city voters
Statute: Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 160, Section 160.1590

Kentucky Board of Education

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 160, Section 160.1595

Notes

Local School Districts: All 171 Kentucky school districts can authorize charter schools under KRS 160.1590, but only a few, like Jefferson County Public Schools, are actively involved due to a 2023 court ruling (Council v. Glass) declaring the funding mechanism unconstitutional. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters. Jefferson County is mandated to authorize one charter for 2024–25 if a qualifying application is received (education.ky.gov, jefferson.kyschools.us).
Mayors of Louisville and Lexington: The mayors, elected by city voters, can authorize charters within their jurisdictions under KRS 160.1590. They operate as single-member authorizers, overseeing applications and monitoring, though no charters are currently authorized by mayors due to funding challenges.
Kentucky Board of Education: The Board, with 11 members appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, serves as an appellate body for charter denials and can act as a co-authorizer for up to three years under KRS 160.1595. It does not directly initiate charters but oversees regulations and appeals (education.ky.gov).

TENNESSEE
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–9 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13, Section 49-13-108

Tennessee Public Charter School Commission (TPCSC)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor
Statute: Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13, Section 49-13-145

Achievement School District (ASD)

# of Board Members: Not applicable (managed by Superintendent appointed by Commissioner of Education)
Appointed by: Commissioner of Education
Statute: Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13, Section 49-13-108

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 147 school districts, including major ones like Metro Nashville and Shelby County, authorize 116 charter schools, serving about 44,000 students. District boards, typically 5–9 members, are elected by local voters and handle charter approvals, renewals, and oversight under T.C.A. § 49-13-108. If a district denies an application, sponsors can appeal to the TPCSC (tn.gov).
Tennessee Public Charter School Commission (TPCSC): Established in 2019 under T.C.A. § 49-13-145, the TPCSC authorizes 25 charter schools, including 7 set to open in the next two years. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor, serves as an appellate authorizer and can directly authorize charters, especially in urban counties like Davidson and Shelby (tn.gov).
Achievement School District (ASD): A statewide turnaround district for low-performing schools, the ASD authorizes charters within its jurisdiction under T.C.A. § 49-13-108. Managed by a superintendent appointed by the Commissioner of Education, it oversees schools transitioning to charter operators, with all current ASD schools run by charter management organizations (comptroller.tn.gov).

ALABAMA
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Code of Alabama, Title 16, Chapter 6F, Section 16-6F-6

Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC)

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by: State Board of Education, with recommendations from Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senate President Pro Tem, House Speaker, and local school systems
Statute: Code of Alabama, Title 16, Chapter 6F, Section 16-6F-6

University of West Alabama

# of Board Members: 12 (Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Code of Alabama, Title 16, Chapter 6F, Section 16-6F-6

Notes

Local School Districts: Sixteen of Alabama’s 139 school districts, including Birmingham City, Montgomery County, and Elmore County, are registered authorizers, overseeing about 5 of the state’s 19 charter schools serving approximately 5,748 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters under Section 16-6F-6. Denied applications can be appealed to the APCSC.
Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC): Established under Section 16-6F-6, the APCSC authorizes 7 charter schools and hears appeals from district denials. Its 11-member board includes 2 appointees recommended by the Governor, 2 by the Lieutenant Governor, 3 by the Senate President Pro Tem, 3 by the House Speaker, and 1 rotating member from the local school system, all appointed by the State Board of Education (alchartercommission.com).
University of West Alabama: The University authorizes one charter school, University Charter School, under Section 16-6F-6. Its 12-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, oversees this authorization, serving approximately 300 students.

MISSISSIPPI
# Active Authorizers: 1
Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board (MCSAB)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor (3 members), Lieutenant Governor (3 members), with Senate confirmation
Statute: Mississippi Code, Title 37, Chapter 28, Section 37-28-7

Notes

Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board (MCSAB): Established under Section 37-28-7, the MCSAB is the sole authorizer for Mississippi’s 10 charter schools, serving approximately 3,000 students. Its 7-member board, with 3 members appointed by the governor and 3 by the lieutenant governor (one from each Supreme Court district), requires Senate confirmation. The board can approve up to 15 charter applications per fiscal year, focusing on underserved communities (charterschoolboard.ms.gov, mdek12.org).

LOUISIANA
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts (Local Education Agencies)

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–15 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 17, Section 17:3981

Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

# of Board Members: 11
Appointed by: 8 elected by voters, 3 appointed by Governor
Statute: Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 17, Section 17:3981

Notes

Local School Districts (Local Education Agencies): Approximately 30 of Louisiana’s 69 LEAs, such as Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish, authorize about 145 of the state’s 150 charter schools, serving around 80,000 students. District boards, typically 5–15 members, are elected by local voters and oversee Type 1 (new startups) and Type 3 (conversion) charters under Section 17:3981. Denied applications can be appealed to BESE for Type 2 charter consideration (lla.state.la.us).
Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE): BESE authorizes Type 2 (independent) and Type 5 (Recovery School District) charters, overseeing about 5 charters directly and handling appeals for district denials under Section 17:3981. Its 11-member board, with 8 elected by voters and 3 appointed by the governor, ensures accountability for approximately 1,500 students in BESE-authorized charters (beselouisiana.gov).

ARKANSAS
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Arkansas Code Annotated, Title 6, Chapter 23, Section 6-23-201

Arkansas State Board of Education

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Arkansas Code Annotated, Title 6, Chapter 23, Section 6-23-302

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 30 of Arkansas’s 234 school districts authorize conversion charter schools, which operate within district boundaries and serve about 5,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and approve conversion charters under Section 6-23-201. Examples include Little Rock School District and Bentonville School District (dese.ade.arkansas.gov).
Arkansas State Board of Education: The State Board, through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, authorizes 78 open-enrollment charter schools and oversees conversion charters, serving approximately 38,000 students. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, handles approvals, renewals, and appeals under Section 6-23-302. It also manages the Charter Authorizing Panel for initial reviews (dese.ade.arkansas.gov).

MISSOURI
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Missouri Revised Statutes, Title XI, Chapter 160, Section 160.400

Missouri Charter Public School Commission (MCPSC)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Missouri Revised Statutes, Title XI, Chapter 160, Section 160.425

University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

# of Board Members: 10 (University of Missouri System Board of Curators)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Missouri Revised Statutes, Title XI, Chapter 160, Section 160.400

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 20 of Missouri’s 518 school districts, primarily in Kansas City and St. Louis, authorize about 30 of the state’s 67 charter schools, serving roughly 20,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters under Section 160.400, mainly in urban areas where charters are permitted (dese.mo.gov).
Missouri Charter Public School Commission (MCPSC): Established under Section 160.425 in 2012, the MCPSC authorizes 17 charter schools, focusing on high-quality standards. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, assumes sponsorship from other authorizers and directly authorizes new charters, especially in distressed areas (mcpsc.mo.gov).
University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC): UMKC, under the University of Missouri System’s 10-member Board of Curators (appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation), authorizes 10 charter schools in Kansas City. Higher education institutions like UMKC and others (e.g., Missouri State University) sponsor about 20 charters under Section 160.400 (umkc.edu).

ILLINOIS
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Illinois Compiled Statutes, 105 ILCS 5, Article 27A, Section 27A-4

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Illinois Compiled Statutes, 105 ILCS 5, Article 27A, Section 27A-9

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 40 of Illinois’s 852 school districts, primarily Chicago Public Schools (CPS), authorize about 135 of the state’s 140 charter schools, serving around 65,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charter contracts under 105 ILCS 5/27A-4. CPS alone authorizes 125 charters across 55 organizations (cps.edu, isbe.net).
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE): ISBE authorizes 5 charter schools, primarily when local district denials are overturned on appeal or when districts relinquish oversight, under 105 ILCS 5/27A-9. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, serves as an appellate authorizer and directly oversees these charters, ensuring compliance with academic and financial standards (isbe.net).

IOWA
# Active Authorizers: 1
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Iowa Code, Chapter 256E, Section 256E.4

Notes

Local School Districts: Iowa’s 327 school districts can authorize charter schools in partnership with the Iowa State Board of Education, which provides final approval under Iowa Code Section 256E.4. Only two charter schools, Storm Lake Iowa Charter School and Northeast Iowa Charter School, are currently active, serving approximately 200 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charter establishment, with applications requiring State Board approval within 90 days (educateiowa.gov).

NORTH DAKOTA
# Active Authorizers: 0
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Not applicable (no charter school law)

Notes

Local School Districts: North Dakota’s 168 school districts manage all public schools, with no charter school law in place. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee traditional public schools and alternative programs, but these are not charter schools. No public charter schools exist, and there are no plans for legislative changes to establish them (dpi.nd.gov).

SOUTH DAKOTA
# Active Authorizers: 0
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Not applicable (no charter school law)

Notes

Local School Districts: South Dakota’s 149 school districts manage all public schools, with no charter school law in place. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee traditional public schools and alternative programs, but these are not charter schools. No public charter schools exist, and there are no legislative proposals to establish them (doe.sd.gov).

NEBRASKA
# Active Authorizers: 0
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Not applicable (no charter school law)

Notes

Local School Districts: Nebraska’s 244 school districts manage all public schools, with no charter school law in place. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee traditional public schools and alternative programs, but these are not charter schools. No public charter schools exist, and there are no active legislative proposals to establish them (education.ne.gov).

KANSAS
# Active Authorizers: 1
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Kansas Statutes Annotated, Chapter 72, Article 42, Section 72-4206

Notes

Local School Districts: Kansas’s 286 school districts can authorize charter schools, but only about 10 districts, such as Lawrence and Olathe, operate charter schools, serving approximately 2,500 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and must submit charter applications to the Kansas State Board of Education for final approval under K.S.A. 72-4206. The restrictive law limits charter growth, requiring charters to operate within district oversight (ksde.org).

OKLAHOMA
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70, Section 3-134

Statewide Charter School Board (SCSB)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor (3), Senate President Pro Tempore (3), House Speaker (3)
Statute: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70, Section 3-145.1

Rose State College

# of Board Members: 7 (Board of Regents)
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70, Section 3-134

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 20 of Oklahoma’s 509 school districts, such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City, authorize about 30 of the state’s 65 charter schools, serving roughly 20,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters under Section 3-134. Appeals for denied applications go to the SCSB (sde.ok.gov).
Statewide Charter School Board (SCSB): Established in 2024 under Section 3-145.1 (SB 1769), the SCSB authorizes both virtual and in-person charters, overseeing about 25 schools, including 5 virtual charters serving 15,000 students. Its 9-member board is appointed by the governor (3), Senate President Pro Tempore (3), and House Speaker (3), with a focus on accountability and expansion (sde.ok.gov).
Rose State College: Public colleges like Rose State authorize charters under Section 3-134, with Rose State sponsoring schools like Dove Science Academy. Its 7-member Board of Regents, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, oversees these charters, serving approximately 2,000 students (rose.edu).

MONTANA
# Active Authorizers: 1
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Montana Code Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 6, Section 20-6-1105

Notes

Local School Districts: Montana’s 399 school districts can authorize public charter schools under Section 20-6-1105, with 8 districts, including Bozeman and Great Falls, operating 14 charter schools serving approximately 1,000 students as of 2024. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and submit applications to the Montana Board of Public Education for approval. House Bill 549 (2023) established this framework, requiring charters to operate under district oversight (opi.mt.gov).

WYOMING
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Wyoming Statutes, Title 21, Chapter 13, Section 21-13-351

Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board (WCSAB)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor (3), Superintendent of Public Instruction (2), Senate President (1), House Speaker (1)
Statute: Wyoming Statutes, Title 21, Chapter 13, Section 21-13-352

Notes

Local School Districts: Wyoming’s 48 school districts, such as Laramie County and Albany County, authorize 5 of the state’s 6 charter schools, serving approximately 1,500 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charter approvals and operations under Section 21-13-351. Districts like Laramie County School District 1 sponsor schools such as PODER Academy (wyo.gov).
Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board (WCSAB): Established in 2021 under Section 21-13-352, the WCSAB authorizes 1 charter school and handles appeals or authorizations when districts opt out. Its 7-member board, appointed by the governor (3), Superintendent of Public Instruction (2), Senate President (1), and House Speaker (1), focuses on expanding charter options, particularly in rural areas (wyo.gov).

IDAHO
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Idaho Code, Title 33, Chapter 52, Section 33-5203

Idaho Public Charter School Commission (PCSC)

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor (3), Senate President Pro Tempore (2), House Speaker (2)
Statute: Idaho Code, Title 33, Chapter 52, Section 33-5202B

Northwest Nazarene University

# of Board Members: 34 (Board of Trustees)
Appointed by: Self-governed by university bylaws
Statute: Idaho Code, Title 33, Chapter 52, Section 33-5203

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 40 of Idaho’s 115 school districts authorize about 20 of the state’s 77 charter schools, serving around 8,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters under Section 33-5203, primarily in urban areas like Boise and Coeur d’Alene (sde.idaho.gov).
Idaho Public Charter School Commission (PCSC): Established under Section 33-5202B, the PCSC is the primary authorizer, overseeing 50 charter schools serving approximately 25,000 students. Its 7-member board, appointed by the governor (3), Senate President Pro Tempore (2), and House Speaker (2), ensures rigorous accountability and supports charter growth (chartercommission.idaho.gov).
Northwest Nazarene University: Higher education institutions and nonprofits can authorize charters under Section 33-5203, with Northwest Nazarene University sponsoring schools like Compass Public Charter School. Its 34-member Board of Trustees, self-governed per university bylaws, oversees about 5 charters serving 2,000 students (nnu.edu).

NEW MEXICO
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: New Mexico Statutes Annotated, Chapter 22, Article 8B, Section 22-8B-5

Public Education Commission (PEC)

# of Board Members: 10
Appointed by: Elected by voters in 10 districts
Statute: New Mexico Statutes Annotated, Chapter 22, Article 8B, Section 22-8B-4

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 20 of New Mexico’s 89 school districts, such as Albuquerque Public Schools and Santa Fe Public Schools, authorize about 30 of the state’s 94 charter schools, serving roughly 10,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee locally authorized charters under Section 22-8B-5 (ped.state.nm.us).
Public Education Commission (PEC): The PEC, established under Section 22-8B-4, is the primary authorizer, overseeing 64 state-chartered schools serving approximately 20,000 students. Its 10-member board, elected by voters in 10 districts, approves, renews, and revokes charters, acting as the state-level authorizer with appellate authority over local district denials (pec.state.nm.us).

WASHINGTON
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Revised Code of Washington, Title 28A, Chapter 28A.710, Section 28A.710.090

Washington State Charter School Commission (CSC)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor (3), Senate President (3), House Speaker (3)
Statute: Revised Code of Washington, Title 28A, Chapter 28A.710, Section 28A.710.070

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 5 of Washington’s 295 school districts, including Spokane and Tacoma, authorize 3 of the state’s 13 charter schools, serving about 1,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters under Section 28A.710.090. Spokane Public Schools, for example, sponsors PRIDE Prep (sbe.wa.gov, k12.wa.us).
Washington State Charter School Commission (CSC): Established under Section 28A.710.070, the CSC authorizes 10 charter schools, serving approximately 3,500 students. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor (3), Senate President (3), and House Speaker (3), handles approvals, renewals, and oversight for state-authorized charters, focusing on innovative models (charterschool.wa.gov).

OREGON
# Active Authorizers: 2
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 338, Section 338.045

Oregon State Board of Education

# of Board Members: 7
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 338, Section 338.035

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 70 of Oregon’s 197 school districts, such as Portland Public Schools and Salem-Keizer, authorize 120 of the state’s 126 charter schools, serving about 40,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charter approvals, renewals, and monitoring under Section 338.045. Districts like Bend-La Pine sponsor multiple charters, including Oregon Connections Academy (ode.oregon.gov).
Oregon State Board of Education: The State Board authorizes 6 state-sponsored charter schools, primarily virtual or specialized schools, serving roughly 2,000 students, under Section 338.035. Its 7-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, handles approvals when districts cede authority or for schools with statewide reach (oregon.gov).

NEVADA
# Active Authorizers: 3
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 388A, Section 388A.225

State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor (3), State Board of Education (2), Senate Majority Leader (2), Assembly Speaker (2)
Statute: Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 388A, Section 388A.159

University of Nevada, Reno

# of Board Members: 13 (Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents)
Appointed by: Elected by voters
Statute: Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 388A, Section 388A.225

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 5 of Nevada’s 17 school districts, including Clark County and Washoe County, authorize about 10 of the state’s 132 charter schools, serving roughly 5,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charters under Section 388A.225, primarily in urban areas like Las Vegas and Reno (doe.nv.gov).
State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA): Established under Section 388A.159, the SPCSA is the primary authorizer, overseeing 120 charter schools serving approximately 60,000 students. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor (3), State Board of Education (2), Senate Majority Leader (2), and Assembly Speaker (2), manages approvals, renewals, and closures with a focus on high-performing schools (spcsa.nv.gov).
University of Nevada, Reno: State colleges or universities can authorize charters under Section 388A.225, with the University of Nevada, Reno sponsoring schools like Coral Academy of Science. The Nevada System of Higher Education’s 13-member Board of Regents, elected by voters, oversees these charters, serving about 2,000 students (unr.edu).

HAWAII
# Active Authorizers: 1
State Public Charter School Commission (SPCSC)

# of Board Members: 9
Appointed by: Governor, with Senate confirmation
Statute: Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 302D, Section 302D-3

Notes

State Public Charter School Commission (SPCSC): Established under Section 302D-3, the SPCSC is the sole authorizer for Hawaii’s 37 charter schools, serving approximately 12,000 students. Its 9-member board, appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation, oversees charter approvals, renewals, and closures, emphasizing cultural responsiveness and academic accountability. The SPCSC manages schools like Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and Voyager Public Charter School (chartercommission.hawaii.gov).

ALASKA
# Active Authorizers: 1
Local School Districts

# of Board Members: Varies, typically 5–7 per district
Appointed by: Elected by local voters
Statute: Alaska Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 14.03, Section 14.03.250

Notes

Local School Districts: Approximately 30 of Alaska’s 54 school districts, including Anchorage and Fairbanks North Star Borough, authorize 31 charter schools, serving about 7,000 students. District boards, typically 5–7 members, are elected by local voters and oversee charter approvals under Section 14.03.250, with final approval required from the Alaska State Board of Education. Examples include Anchorage’s Aquarian Charter School and Fairbanks’ Watershed School (education.alaska.gov).

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