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Charter schools are public schools typically run by nonprofit organizations, and have more flexibility and autonomy than regular public schools. California has over 1,300 charter schools— serving a little more than 1 in 10 of California’s public school students. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom engineered major reforms of California’s 1992 charter school legislation — at the time the second of its kind in the nation. Those reforms are intended to bring more transparency and oversight of the charter school sector.
Citing “unprecedented circumstances” related to Covid-19, L.A. Unified chose to renew four charter schools that otherwise met the criteria to be denied renewal under a new law.
The budget for the new fiscal year froze funding for schools at their 2019-20 level, preventing additional state funding for growing schools with increased numbers of students in the fall.
His backing of charter schools could have an impact on his drive for the Democratic nomination, especially if the race is not decided by the time of the convention.