My Child Attends a Charter School

Charter schools are public schools. They must follow public records law, open meetings law, and budget transparency requirements. Know your charter rights.

Charter schools are still public schools

It’s easy to assume that because a charter school operates somewhat independently, it isn’t bound by the same transparency rules as a traditional public school. That’s not true. Charter schools in Louisiana receive public funding and are accountable to the public in the same core ways.

Public records law applies

Charter schools must respond to public records requests the same way any public school does — generally within 3 working days under Louisiana’s Public Records Law (RS 44:1 et seq.). This includes budgets, bylaws, board member information, charter contracts, board minutes, vendor contracts, and discipline data.

Use the Public Records Request template to request these documents from your child’s charter school.

Open meetings law applies

Charter school governing boards are subject to Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law (RS 42:11). That means:

• Board meetings must be open to the public
• Meeting agendas must be posted in advance
• Members of the public have the right to attend and, in most cases, speak

If you want to address the board about an issue at your child’s school, use the Board Meeting Agenda Request template.

Budget transparency

Because charter schools receive public dollars, their budgets are public record. If a charter school is vague about how it spends money, that’s worth investigating — not assuming it’s none of your business.

Where to file complaints

Complaints about a charter school’s compliance with these laws can go to:

• The chartering authority — for most New Orleans charter schools, this is the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB)
• The Louisiana Department of Education — for statewide accountability and dispute resolution

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify with a licensed attorney for your specific situation.