Failed charter school bill highlights state education needs

Failed charter school bill highlights state education needs

Charter school legislation is dead, with little chance for resuscitation before the end of the session Sunday, but most supporters and opponents agree it’s only a matter of time before charter schools become a reality in districts across the state.

Despite strong support from Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, the measure died in conference Monday when the state House and Senate committees failed to reach agreement.

The primary sticking point was whether to allow successful districts, as rated by the Mississippi Department of Education’s accountability rankings system, to veto charter schools.

Commercial Dispatch
5/2/12