The FLEX Act updates federal rules for charter school grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It raises the minimum share of funds that states must reserve for replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools (from 12.5% to 15% and from 22.5% to 25%), and adds expanding academic programs at existing high-quality schools as a new eligible use of grant money. Charter schools can now receive advance payments of grant funds rather than waiting for reimbursement, and the bill allows operating and facility-management costs — not just startup expenses — to be covered. The Secretary of Education must consult charter operators before issuing new rules under this program and is limited to only those regulations necessary for administration.
Congressional Summary
Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools Act or the FLEX ActThis bill expands and revises the Charter Schools Program (CSP), including by expanding the allowable uses of CSP funds.Current law authorizes competitive grants to state entities (e.g., state educational agencies and state charter school boards) and, through them, subgrants to eligible applicants (i.e., charter school developers) to enable them to open and prepare for the operation of a new charter school or replicate or expand an existing high-quality charter school. The bill allows subgrants to also be used for adding or expanding programs or other offerings at these schools, such as through the adoption of new academic programs or delivery models, personalized learning, or a new curricular approach. New offerings must enable additional students to enroll in and benefit from the school.Eligible applicants may also use CSP funds for activities such as hiring and compensating teachers and other school staff (currently, this may only occur during the planning period);carrying out necessary renovations, upgrades, or facility repairs, or acquiring portable classrooms; andproviding transportation to students (currently, only one-time, start-up transportation costs are permitted).Eligible applicants may request and receive advance payments of subgrants.Among other requirements, the Department of Education must (1) use CSP funds for additional activities (e.g., increasing the number of available seats in charter schools that serve rural students and students with disabilities), and (2) consult with charter school operators prior to issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking relevant to charter schools.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to House
- Action Date
- 2026-05-13
- Date Added
- 2026-06-05
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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