charter schools

Charter Panel Bill Stalls in Tennessee Senate

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:26:28 +0000

A proposal that would create a special panel to authorize charter schools in five of the Tennessee's lowest performing counties appears to be struggling in the legislature.

The measure was delayed in the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday after members expressed concerns about the need for a new entity that will pay its executive director more than $100,000. Currently local school boards decide whether to authorize a charter application.

Kentucky Senate OKs Charter School Bill

Rae Hodge — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:34:15 +0000

Voting along strict party lines, the Kentucky Senate has approved a bill that would allow persistently low-performing public schools to become charter schools.

Democrats Call Statewide Charter Authorizer ‘Death Panel for Public Schools’

Blake Farmer (Nashville Public Radio) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:07:31 +0000

The idea for a new state-level panel that could authorize charter schools to operate anywhere in Tennessee is moving ahead, while facing bi-partisan resistance. The House Education Committee gave its blessing Tuesday, though two Republicans voted against it.

The GOP lawmakers opposing what is seen as an end-run around local school boards are educators themselves. Rep. Jim Coley teaches in Shelby County.

“Increasingly we’re taking those decisions away from local education associations, and I don’t think that’s right.”

Persistently Low-Achieving Schools Could Become Charter Schools Under Kentucky Senate Bill

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:24:31 +0000

Kentucky persistently low-achieving schools would be able to become charter schools to improve performance and test scores under a bill discussed Tuesday in the state Senate Education Committee.

Advocates Support Toned-Down Kentucky Charter School Law

Devin Katayama (KPR) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:31:49 +0000

A charter school bill has been filed in the Kentucky House and supporters hope the less aggressive approach will help get it passed this year.

Rep. Brad Montell, R-Shelbyville , crafted the law with help from the Kentucky Charter School Project.

Governor Haslam Won't Sign Foreign Employment Limit Bill

Associated Press — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:44:26 +0000

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam says he will allow a bill seeking to limit the number of foreign workers at charter schools to become law without his signature. Haslam says he questions the constitutionality of the measure and doesn't want to harm the state's efforts to improve education standards. But he notes the bill is "permissive and not mandatory," so he will let it become law while he asks for a formal legal opinion from the attorney general.

Governor Expresses Concerns over Charter Schools Bill

Shelly Baskin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:36:32 +0000

Tenn Gov. Bill Haslam is expressing reservations about a bill seeking to cap the number of foreigners working at Tennessee charter schools.

The Republican governor says he is concerned about the measure headed for his consideration after passing both chambers.

Haslam says the state is trying to promote more science, technology, engineering and math classes in the state, and he doesn't want to close off a potential pipeline of teachers with expertise in those subjects.

Afternoon Round-Up 3/27/12

Rose Krzton-Presson — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:39:55 +0000

On NPR: To keep customers, brick-and-mortar stores look to smartphones.

Education:

Kentucky lawmakers are trying again to raise the state's dropout age.

Charter School Add-On Kills Two Education Reform Issues

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:20:39 +0000

An attempt to piggyback charter school legislation on another bill has likely killed two plans for education reform in Kentucky.

The state Senate Education committee today added language legalizing charter schools to a charter alternative plan sponsored by Representative Carl Rollins, who chairs the House Education Committee. Charter supporters hoped Rollins would allow the amendment in order to see his alternative become law, but it's unlikely the plan will work.

Afternoon Round-Up 2/14/12

Rose Krzton-Presson — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:40:44 +0000

Today is I Love Mountains Day in Frankfort, and more than one thousand are expected to attend a rally.

Around the Commonwealth:

Lawmakers have unveiled their constitutional amendment for expanded gambling which would allow for up to seven casinos in Kentucky, but five must be at horse racing tracks.