Answer

It appears from reviewing the Charter School Law and AG Op. No. 99-0152, that employees of charter schools are not public employees, other than for purposes of the Code of Governmental Ethics, R.S. 42:1101, et seq. R.S. 17:3997(A)(1) specifically provides that: (a) The governing authority of any charter school may employ such faculty and staff members as it deems necessary. All potential charter school employees shall be notified of the specific benefits they will be offered, as specified in the school's charter agreement. (b) The nonprofit organization shall have exclusive authority over all employment decisions at the charter schools. The Attorney General (AG) has opined that this “working arrangement with a charter school which is a nonprofit corporation does not constitute ‘employment’ with the state or a political subdivision.” AG Op. No. 99-0152. Further, R.S. 17:3996 states that, unless specifically provided for in the charter, charter schools are “exempt from all rules and regulations of the state board and those of any local school board that are applicable to public schools and to public school officers and employees” except those specifically enumerated in the statute. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 07/16/2025 01:58:19 AM