(1) The general assembly hereby finds that section 2 of article IX of the state constitution requires the general assembly to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a thorough and uniform system of free public schools. The state therefore has an obligation to ensure that every student has a chance to attend a school that will provide an opportunity for a quality education. If a school is not providing a thorough and adequate education, as determined by the annual performance review conducted by the department pursuant to section 22-11-210, the state has an obligation to the students enrolled in that school to make changes to ensure that they have an opportunity to receive a quality education comparable to students in other public schools in the state.
(2) Therefore, the general assembly finds it necessary to establish a system for independent charter schools to operate within local school buildings when school districts have failed to provide adequate educational opportunities.
Source: L. 2000: Entire part added, p. 351, § 8, effective April 10. L. 2009: (1) amended, (SB 09-163), ch. 293, p. 1536, § 29, effective May 21.