The Republican-led Senate approved a bill Friday to allow charter
schools in Kentucky but House Speaker Greg Stumbo said it wouldn't go
far in his Democratic-led chamber.
The Senate approved Senate Bill 8 on a 23-12 vote and sent it to the House for its consideration.
The
measure, sponsored by Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, would set up a
five-year pilot program for as many as five charter schools in Fayette
and Jefferson counties.
The schools would be funded on a per-pupil basis out of state money but be held accountable to a charter authority.
Opposition
to using state money for the charter schools was an argument used by
several Democratic senators in voting against the bill.
Senate
Minority Leader Ray Jones, D-Pikeville, said that the state should look
at alternative ways to try to improve schools but that it's "financially
irresponsible" to siphon money from public education.
Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, echoed those sentiments and said he hasn't had one parent tell him the legislation is needed.
Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr, R-Lexington, responded that she is a parent and grandparent in Fayette County who supports the bill.
"It's another tool in the tool box," she said.
The
bill is opposed by the state's two largest teacher unions — the
Kentucky Education Association and the Jefferson County Teacher
Association.
Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said it will be received in the House, "and then it likely won't move very far."
He
said House Education Chairman Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, is working
on an alternative approach to allow public school districts some
flexibility.
"We think they already have the flexibility, but we
want to make it clear that they have that flexibility to do
alternative-type schools if they choose to and leave it at the district
level," Stumbo said.
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2015/02/06/3681161/ky-senate-approves-charter-schools.html#storylink=cpy
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