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AB 2115 (Mullin) would require charter schools to comply with the same conflict-of-interest restrictions applicable to traditional public schools.  Passing out of the Assembly Floor on a 47-30 vote, this bill is now awaiting consideration by the governor.  We fully expect passage of this bill to be an uphill battle.  Please contact Governor Schwarzenegger TODAY and urge him to sign AB 2115 into law.  Your letters, emails and phone calls can make a difference. 

Charter schools in California currently operate under ambiguous conflict-of-interest regulations.  This lack of clarity has lead to the misuse 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. 

AB 2115 will strengthen efforts to end financial abuse of public funds in charter 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, this bill would require charter schools to comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act regarding open meetings.  It is crucial for charter schools and traditional public schools to be similarly situated under the law for the purpose of protecting public funds.

Staff Contact: Brian Rivas, Sr. Legislative Advocate, brivas@csba.org or Marites Ares, Legislative Analyst, mares@csba.org.