The Pennsylvania Charter School Act (H.B. 1834), now under consideration in the Pennsylvania State legislature, allows charter schools to be approved by local school boards or school district voters. Based on the draft legislation and the experience of states with similar statutes, this paper identifies the extent of charter operators' responsibility for the educational program, economic viability, and government operations of public charter schools, and outlines the full set of assets a charter-school applicant should possess to be a successful school operator. The report concludes that a Pennsylvania charter-school applicant must be able to conceive and manage an educational program; start and run a medium-sized business; operate within a complex governance structure; comply with the laws controlling agencies of state government; and conduct a political campaign. Guiding principles of charter-school planning are also included. The appendix contains a copy of the Charter School Act. Four figures are included. (LMI)