State Credit Enhancements

While access to free buildings or per pupil facility funding streams are the ultimate goal for charters, another lesser known strategy is very effective. The most cost effective state policy for charter school facilities is the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) whereby the state’s credit rating supports charter school debt. This allows select public charter schools to borrow money at the same rate as the state, saving tens of millions of dollars in interest. Other versions of this credit enhancement strategy exist in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona. The following resources can help public officials understand this type of policy.