GOP pushes through bill giving more school choice in NC

Senate Votes to Remove Cap on Public Charter Schools

North Carolina parents could soon have more choice and control in their children’s public education following the state Senate’s approval of legislation eliminating the 100-school cap on public charter schools.  There already are 99 public charter schools in North Carolina which do not meet the demands of about 20,000 students on a waiting list.

Following years of inaction by the former Democratic majority, the Senate tentatively passed SB 8 today with bipartisan support.  In addition to removing the 15-year-old cap, it creates a North Carolina Public Charter Schools Commission to review applications for new schools, grant and revoke charters based on school performance, and provide general oversight for charter schools.  The new commission would fall under the State Board of Education, which is able to veto the commission’s decisions with a ¾ majority.

Following years of inaction by the former Democratic majority, the Senate tentatively passed SB 8 today with bipartisan support.  In addition to removing the 15-year-old cap, it creates a North Carolina Public Charter Schools Commission to review applications for new schools, grant and revoke charters based on school performance, and provide general oversight for charter schools.  The new commission would fall under the State Board of Education, which is able to veto the commission’s decisions with a ¾ majority.