By Tony McVeigh
Frankfort, KY – A Kentucky House member wants Gov. Steve Beshear to add charter schools to the agenda of the special session on the budget. But it's probably not going to happen.
Richmond Rep. Harry Moberly says charter schools would enhance Kentucky's application for federal Race to the Top education dollars. "Which would get us about $175 million. Not to mention the three or four hundred million that's available through private foundations."
Moberly wants Gov. Beshear to add charter schools to the special session agenda, but the governor says there's no general agreement on the issue. "And we also want to make this special session as short as possible."
Senate President David Williams wouldn't mind taking a look at charter schools, but House Speaker Greg Stumbo agrees with the governor, there's probably not enough time to tackle the issue in a five day session. However, the bill has been referred to the House Education Committee.