On Wednesday night, Assembly Education Committee Chair, Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) released detailed language for Assembly Bill 84. We knew the bill was coming, but we are surprised at how wide-ranging and draconian the 114-page proposal is. Among other topics, this measure changes current law regarding audits, administrative credentialing, and charter growth. While CSDC shares the goal of preventing charter school fraud, this bill goes so far beyond the scope of recent research and recommendations, raising deep concerns for students and families seeking public school options in California.
California’s charter school law was designed to empower educators, expand choices for families, and foster innovation in public education. The Legislature specifically intended for charter schools to operate independently from school districts, provide families with educational options, and encourage new teaching methods.
Yet, AB 84 does the opposite. Instead of preserving the flexibility and innovation that make charter schools successful, this bill imposes excessive regulation, restricts growth, and prioritizes bureaucratic compliance over student learning.
This bill is at the beginning of a long legislative process that will end in September—changes are still possible and likely. With strong advocacy and input from the charter sector, lawmakers may decide to amend or stop the bill’s worst provisions.
CSDC has highlighted six issues that stand out from our first read of the bill...
