Bill offers $100 million a year to help charter schools secure buildings

What does this do?

S. 1723 updates federal education law to create a competitive grant program letting states apply for funds to help charter schools buy, lease, renovate, or maintain buildings. States that ease charter school access to public buildings, tax breaks, or surplus property get priority. It also lets states set aside up to 10% of certain funds for startup loan programs and lowers the required pass-through of funds to individual charter schools from 90% to 80%.

Who does it affect?

Charter schools and state education agencies managing these grants are directly affected, along with students and families at charter schools, particularly in low-income and rural areas. Traditional public school districts could also be affected if state policies increase charter schools' access to public buildings or surplus properties.

Why does it matter?

Reducing the required pass-through percentage gives states more discretion over facility-related funds, potentially shifting how much money reaches individual charter schools directly. Increased charter school access to public buildings or surplus property could affect resources traditional districts currently use.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $100 million per year
• Runs 2026 through 2030
• Competitive state grants