Senate advances charter school funding study and one-time stabilization aid in SB186

Senator Baldry introduced Senate Bill 186, saying the State Board of Education and charter stakeholders identified a structural funding imbalance for charter schools of roughly $50 million compared with similarly sized districts. He described three components: a comprehensive funding study, a temporary stabilization appropriation and a one‑time $1.5 million investment to create a charter school service center to share services and improve efficiency.

"SB 186 does three things," Baldry said, outlining the study, a stabilization fund and the $1.5 million to establish a service center modeled after existing regional service centers. He emphasized the proposal would not divert funds from school districts and said the service center would become self-sustaining through charter dues after about three years.

Senators questioned whether charters can already access regional service centers and whether the proposal achieves equity. Senator Reidy asked if charters may join existing regional service centers; responses on the floor indicated charters can request services from regional centers or the state board if unavailable locally. Some senators said the disparity estimate varied across analyses; Baldry said the study would produce the accurate figures.

Baldry noted the rapid grassroots support, saying more than 5,000 letters arrived in one week from citizens across the state supporting the bill. After brief debate and sponsor summation, the Senate voted to move SB186 toward third reading; the recorded count to proceed was 17 yea, 8 nay, and 4 absent when considered for third-reading scheduling.

Supporters framed the bill as a step to analyze and close funding gaps; critics remained concerned about long-term cost and whether the measure truly addresses structural inequities.

The Senate recorded the procedural vote to read SB186 for a third time; the bill was advanced on the calendar.