H.R. 7086: Equitable Access to School Facilities Act

This bill, titled the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act, aims to support the improvement and expansion of facilities for charter schools. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:

Grants for Charter School Facilities

The bill amends existing laws to allow for competitive grants to state entities. These grants are intended to cover a portion of the costs related to:

• Assessing and financing charter school facilities.
• Improving access to state funding for charter school facilities.
• Collaborating with local educational agencies to enhance facility access.

Application Process for Grants

State entities that wish to receive grants must submit detailed applications describing how they will assist charter schools, including:

• The activities planned and the types of assistance to be provided.
• Involvement from charter schools in developing the application.
• Partnerships with organizations that could support these initiatives.
• Expertise in evaluating the potential success of charter schools.

Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used for:

• Supporting the acquisition, lease, or renovation of charter school facilities.
• Ongoing facility costs for charter schools.
• Creating alternative ownership models for charter school facilities.
• Setting up reserve accounts for future facility needs.

Evaluations and Technical Assistance

State entities can reserve a portion of grant funds (up to 5%) for evaluating the effectiveness of the programs, providing technical assistance, and disseminating information about successful practices.

Federal Interest Provisions

The bill specifies that funds provided under this program will not establish a federal interest in charter school properties, meaning federal regulations regarding property ownership will not apply.

Support for High-Quality Charter Schools

In addition to facility grants, the bill allows for assistance to charter schools in locating or accessing suitable facilities for their operations and ensuring compliance with local building codes.

Funding Allocations and Rebidding

States may receive multiple grants under the provisions of this bill, provided that the total funding for charter schools increases with each subsequent grant. Grants will cover up to 60% of project costs.

Implementation Timeline

The provisions of the bill will apply to grants awarded after its enactment, establishing a timeline for states to transition into the new funding structure for charter school facilities.

Relevant Companies

• CFR - Companies involved in the construction and renovation of educational facilities may benefit from increased demand for services related to charter school building projects.
• EDUC - Organizations that provide technical assistance or educational resources tailored to charter schools may see increased engagement and contracts.