TITLE 17. EDUCATION

CHAPTER 42. CHARTER SCHOOL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS

17:3977      Charter schools; exemptions

 A. Notwithstanding any state law, rule, or regulation to the contrary and except as may be otherwise specifically provided for in an approved charter, a charter school established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and its approved charter and the school's officers and employees shall be exempt from all rules and regulations of the state board and local school board that are applicable to public schools and to public school officers and employees except for the following:

 (1) Rules and regulations relative to the conditions necessary to provide for a safe and healthy school environment.

 (2) Rules and regulations imposing minimum requirements for graduation from a public high school.

 B. Notwithstanding any state law, rule, or regulation to the contrary and except as may be otherwise specifically provided for in an approved charter, a charter school established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and its approved charter and the school's officers and employees shall be exempt from all statutory mandates or other statutory requirements that are applicable to public schools and to public school officers and employees except for the following:

 (1) Laws relative to the conditions necessary to provide for a safe and healthy school environment.

 (2) Laws imposing minimum requirements for graduation from a public high school.

 (3) Laws relative to open meetings and public records.

 (4) Laws relative to school attendance, R.S. 17:221 through 240; required courses of study, R.S. 17:261, 17:268, 17:274 and 17:274.1; religious liberty of students, R.S. 17:2115 through 2115.10; and sex education, R.S. 17:281.

 C. A charter school established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations with respect to civil rights and individuals with disabilities.

 D. Notwithstanding any state law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the local school board in whose jurisdiction the charter school is located shall apply to a charter school established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and its approved charter and the school's officers and employees, except as otherwise provided for in the approved charter.

Added by Acts 1995, No. 192, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 1995.