news-record.com

NEWS

Charter school bill advances in House

Article
Comments (4)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

By
Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) — State lawmakers have taken another step toward ending the current limit of 100 charter schools.

Democrats think the bill would be the first step toward destroying traditional public schools.

The House Education Committee voted today to allow up to 50 new charter schools each year and to set minimum enrollment and growth standards. The measure would change a Senate measure that placed no limits on the number of the alternative schools.

The latest version adds some provisions sought by Democrats involving school funding and food services for students. But Rep. Ray Rapp of Madison County says he and fellow Democrats still can't support the measure because they think a special state charter schools commission in the bill would be unconstitutional.

The proposal now goes to the House Finance Committee.

Comments

View Comments

This article has been closed to new comments. Comments are generally closed after 14 days. However, comments may be closed earlier at the discretion of the News & Record.

Inappropriate content? Please report abuse.

goodtimes

March 15, 2011 - 8:29 am EDT

Sweet! Now they need to implement minimum grade standards for the students to enroll. I can't wait to enroll my children in the new schools.

goodtoknow

March 15, 2011 - 10:44 am EDT

Food services and transportation should be optional for the charter schools. If the parents want their children to go to these schools and they know that they do not offer food and transportation, then let it be. They can make a lunch and get their children there themselves. It's worth it. Catholic schools and charter schools have better test scores. And the teachers are usually paid less than public school teachers.

PublicCharters

March 15, 2011 - 2:53 pm EDT

The new version of the bill was approved by the House Education Committee today. This is another great step forward. I dream of the day when every North Carolina family has the option of a charter school for its children.