Under Initiative 1240:

• The state would allow up to 40 public charter schools in Washington state over five years.

• These schools would be public schools freed from some state regulations so school budgets, schedules, curriculum and staff could be tailored to fit student needs.

• Charters would be free and open to any student.

• Charter operators must be nonprofits. Religious organizations would not be allowed.

• Priority must be given to opening public charter schools that serve at-risk students and those attending low-performing public schools.

• Academic standards and teacher-certification requirements would be the same as traditional public schools.

• Approval and oversight of the charter schools would fall to local school boards or a governor-appointed Washington state charter school commission.

• Strict oversight and accountability would include annual performance reviews and an evaluation at the end of five years before more public charter schools would be allowed.