Schools will get their money on a per-pupil basis once Oct. 1 enrollment counts are collected.

The funding will be a major cushion for charters, which, unlike other Utah public schools, don't have authority to bond or otherwise raise money for their building needs. They typically rely on federal startup grants or state per-pupil funding - intended for instructional costs - to cover rent or loan payments.

"It really continues to be the most significant obstacle people face in opening [charter] schools, so this is a wonderful help," said Patricia Bradley, the state's director for charter schools. "We still need to pursue some system changes to establish a mechanism that has the capacity to ensure some stability for them, though, whether that be bonding authority or something else."

This year, the Legislature provided some funding to help charter schools pay for facilities. That state commitment was one of the conditions for securing the federal grant.

"The federal portion is 82 percent, so it's pretty significant," Bradley said.

Charter schools are public schools funded by tax dollars. They are empowered to use innovative teaching methods, but they must adhere to most of the same financial and educational standards as other public schools.

Anyone can apply to open a school but applicants must enter into a charter - or contract of operation - with an authorizing agency such as the state Charter School Board or a local school board. The contract dictates how the school will run, including governance, enrollment, budget, educational goals and curriculum, educator qualifications and student-discipline policy.

rlynn@sltrib.com