The Kentucky Senate has again put its stamp of approval on charter school legislation. However, this session’s bill is different from past proposals.
The public charter school measure calls for pilot programs in Louisville and Lexington over the next five years. Another change came through a floor amendment offered by Lexington Senator Reggie Thomas. “What my senate floor amendment does is say, Okay, let’s have charters," Thomas said. "Let’s bring them to the table. But, let the local school board do it and also let’s not charge them fees."
Proponents say charter schools, which are exempt from local regulations, work to reduce achievement gaps between students.
Senate Minority Floor Leader Ray Jones worries public funds for charter schools could better be spent to improve currently struggling schools. “I think it is unconscionable that if you have a failing public school to leave any child in it without trying to address the reasons it is failing,” said Jones.
The House has not acted on charter schools. Senate Education Chair Mike Wilson says it’s hard to say if the local school board amendment improves the chance of passage in the House.?
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