Authorizer

What is an Authorizer?

A basic element of the chartered public school model is a nonprofit corporation founded by teachers, parents and community folks is granted a "charter" or "public franchise"  to operate a public school by a state approved entity known as an "Authorizer." In Minnesota, an authorizer may be a traditional school district, a non-sectarian non-profit organization, a college or university, or a new nonprofit created for the sole purpose of authorizing schools. 

The role of an authorizer is to ensure that the schools it authorizes fulfill the purposes for chartered public schools and that the agreed upon terms of the charter contract, in order to safeguard quality educational opportunities for students, and maintain public trust and confidence.
 

Authorizer Role & Responsibilities 

The role of an authorizer is to ensure that the schools it authorizes fulfill the purposes for chartered public schools and that the agreed upon terms of the charter contract, in order to safeguard quality educational opportunities for students, and maintain public trust and confidence.

1. To review applications for new schools, grade and site expansions of current schools, and determine whether to approve or deny the applications based on sound criteria and need; 
2. To negotiate and execute performance contracts with the schools it authorizes;
3. To conduct ongoing monitoring and oversight of the school's academic, operational and financial performance commensurate with the school's circumstance during the term of the charter contract, and;
4. To evaluate the academic, operational and financial performance of the school as defined in the contract  prior to the end of the contract term to determine the renewal status or the contract, or termination of the charter.

All authorizers must demonstrate to the State of Minnesota their capacity and ability to serve as an authorizer before authorizing schools.  

Adapted from the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, Authorizing a Charter School