In Florida, charters are generally authorized by local school boards. In some states, charters are authorized by local districts, universities, state boards or even cities. This is part of the continuing struggle over control of public schools. Florida’s legislature has tried to create state charter review boards, but the resistance is strong.
In Louisiana, charters dominate New Orleans. Who runs these charters is at issues. The Appeals Court ruled that charters must be authorized by local districts not the State Board of Education. Only local district approved schools meet the state constitutional definition of public schools. There are 31 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved charters affected by the decision. The BESE will appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court.