1. (1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:

   1. (a) There is a growing demand for more charter schools in the state;
   2. (b) There is an underserved population of at-risk students in the state, for whom innovative educational models are needed.

2. (2) The intent of the general assembly in establishing the state charter school institute pursuant to this part 5 is to:

   1. (a) Provide an alternative mode of authorizing charter schools as a means to assist school districts in utilizing best practices for chartering schools and to approve and oversee charter schools in school districts not desiring to do so themselves; and
   2. (b) Preserve the authority of a school district to authorize charter schools, at the school district's option.

Source: L. 2004: Entire part added, p. 1594, § 1, effective July 1.