Charter school bill passes major hurdle

Charter school bill passes major hurdle

Charter school legislation passed a major hurdle Tuesday when it was approved by the House Education Committee – the same panel that killed it in 2012.

It passed 16-14 after a contentious 90-minute debate where opponents again questioned the wisdom of taking funds from traditional public schools and supporters said charter schools would help improve overall educational outcomes.

The full House could vote on the issue later this week.

“I would like to see charter schools support what is going on with public schools,” said Rep. Charles Busby, R-Pascagoula, who explained the legislation. “It is not a competition.”

Daily Journal
1/23/13