Fallin Explains Signing ‘Conversion School’ Bill

Governor’s Office

Governor Fallin today issued this statement on signing House Bill 2720, which amends the Oklahoma Charter School Act to clarify how public school districts may convert an existing public school to a “conversion school:”  (A conversion school has the flexibility of a charter school.)

“House Bill 2720 empowers local school boards to create conversion schools allowing for additional flexibilities similar to charter schools. I hope schools will use this opportunity to maximize resources to increase educational outcomes.  I appreciate the bi-partisan effort from Representative Emily Virgin, Speaker Pro Tem Lee Denney and Senator Clark Jolley to ensure the success of this bill, as well as the input from the Oklahoma Secondary School Board Association.  This is a positive step forward to improve the quality of education in our state.”

HB 2720 also amends the Charter School Act to clarify the governance, funding and personnel flexibilities afforded to a charter school.

  • Conversion schools are still managed by the local school district and receive the same funding as traditional public schools.  Conversion schools have access to all of the flexibilities currently afforded to charter schools in Oklahoma.
  • The local school board is the only entity to approve or disapprove a plan to create a conversion school.

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