Earlier this month, Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1184 into law, which will help grow and expand Colorado’s networks of quality charter schools. Colorado has a mix of individual charter schools and those that operate within networks. As the number of charter schools within networks increases in the state, these schools have asked for tools to do their job well.

Identifying and replicating high-performing charter schools is a powerful way to provide a great education for more children. While operating more than one campus isn’t always what a charter school sets out to do, state policies should enable a smooth process if a school that is succeeding wishes to expand.

Colorado’s bill does just that and we voiced our support of HB 1184 throughout its journey in the Colorado legislature. The bill creates incentives for the best charter schools to replicate their success, allowing multiple schools to be operated under one tested and proven charter agreement. Allowing experienced, and high-functioning charter boards with a history of success to expand is good for future charter schools in Colorado.

Parents and community members concerned about unrestrained growth can also rest easy, as the bill ensures each school’s performance will still be assessed individually – a necessary check for responsible growth.

We applaud Gov. Hickenlooper and the Colorado legislature for helping facilitate the expansion of quality educational choices for parents and children throughout the state.