2. Legal & Policy Issues for Charter Schools Governing Board Online Training Module

3. Establishing Legal Standing Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Employer Identification Number Directors and Officers Insurance Sales tax exempt certificate Register as a business 501(c)3 status

4. Federal Laws Pertaining to Charter Schools Civil Rights Laws Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (No Child Left Behind Act) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

5. State Laws Applicable to Charter Schools Utah Charter Schools Act Employment Capital construction Financing Waivers Open meetings / open records Executive sessions

6. The Charter Agreement Includes the charter application Defines the relationship between school and authorizer Negotiations on performance goals begin during the application process

7. Other Legal Agreements Contract negotiations Service provider contracts

8. Tracking Legislative Changes Governing board members need to be aware of new legislation Governing boards may need to participate in the legislative process to block harmful bills or encourage beneficial legislation Governing boards should regularly visit the Web pages of charter advocacy organizations such as the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, Utah Charter Network, Center for Education Reform, or National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Governing boards should also visit bill tracking sites for Congress and the Utah Legislature

9. Summary Schools must establish legal standing Be in compliance with state and federal law Seek appropriate waivers Negotiate viable performance measures Sign charter agreement Establish other contracts Track legislative changes