July 23, 2007
This report explains the laws and funding mechanisms applicable to charter schools in Illinois and investigates how Illinois charter schools affect the finances of their host school districts. It includes three in-depth case studies of Illinois charter schools and their host districts, as well asa legislative history of charter school law in Illinois and a review of national research on charter schools. . It finds that Illinois charter schools do not constitute an undue financial burden for their host school districts, and that the diversion of funds from the host district to its charter school did not compromise districts’ ability to manage their finances.