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Over 680 charter schools in California currently operate under ambiguous conflict-of-interest regulations.  This lack of clarity has lead to misuses of public education dollars that were intended for children.  Recent news reports uncovered instances in which charter school officials directed millions of dollars to their own companies and allegedly hired spouses, gave themselves raises, and broke open meetings laws, among other violations.  Due to these financial improprieties, charter schools are forced to close, and school district governing boards are left to assess and repair the damage. 

Assembly Bill 2115 (Mullin) will strengthen efforts to end financial abuse of public funds in charter schools.  This measure will require charter schools to comply with the same conflict-of-interest restrictions applicable to traditional public schools.  Governing board members would be prohibited from holding a financial interest in any transaction with the charter school, participating in or attempting to influence any decision in which they have an interest, and from serving on the board while employed by the school.  In addition, AB 2115 would require charter schools to comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act regarding open meetings.  It is particularly important for charter schools and traditional public schools to be similarly situated under the law for the purpose of protecting public funds.

AB 2115 provides school board members with a viable opportunity to support legislation that would require charter schools to adopt and comply with a conflict-of-interest policy that is currently applicable to traditional public schools.  Please contact your assembly member by August 4 and urge him or her to support AB 2115 when it is considered on the Assembly Floor.

Thank you for your assistance and support.  If you have questions regarding the content of this action alert, please contact Brian Rivas, Sr. Legislative Advocate, brivas@csba.org or Marites Ares, Legislative Analyst, mares@csba.org.