(AP) – The Missouri House has given initial approval to a
bill that could expand access for charter schools in the state.
In an 83-74 vote Wednesday, the House approved a bill that would allow
charters to expand without district approval to more heavily-populated areas
such as Springfield or Columbia.
Opponents decried the proposal, saying it doesn’t offer enough accountability
for charter schools that have a mixed bag of success scores in urban districts
where they are currently allowed to operate.
House Speaker Todd Richardson and other supporters say the bill would bring
more accountability because it allows the Department of Education to refuse to
renew a charter if it doesn’t meet certain standards. It also won’t allow more
charters to open if the Legislature doesn’t fully fund the state school formula.
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