Legislative Agenda

The NC Association for Public Charter Schools is committed to being a voice for charter schools across the state. Each year we create a legislative agenda in preparation for the upcoming session of the General Assembly and share it with the charter school sector and the public. With the support of our school membership, legislative committee, and lobbying team, we build relationships with legislators and key stakeholders and educate them on current issues and challenges faced by charter schools. Our goal is to achieve equitable state policy for North Carolina’s charter schools.

Facts about North Carolina’s Charter Schools – Did You Know?

• Authorized by the State Board of Education, Charter Schools are tuition-free public schools of choice that are operated by independent non-profit boards of directors.

• There are 201 public charter schools in the state, educating approximately 125,000 students this year. There are also over 65,000 names on Charter School waitlists. Charter Schools are held to the same accountability standards as district schools.

• The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS) is the leading Charter School membership organization in the state. NCAPCS is dedicated to advancing quality educational opportunities for all children in North Carolina by supporting and expanding successful Charter Schools. NCAPCS serves as an advocate on behalf of all North Carolina public Charter Schools in addition to providing a broad spectrum of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership.

• Allow Charter Schools to continue to offer virtual instruction.
• Increase parity of Charter Schools in grant and funding opportunities, including COVID-19 funding.
• Restrict districts’ request for sensitive student information, and impose a penalty to districts for late payment of local funds.
• Allow Charter Schools to directly bill Medicaid for reimbursement of eligible expenses.
• Allow counties the option of providing capital funding to Charter Schools.
• Clarify statute to guarantee Charter Schools’ eligibility for teacher Residency licensure,