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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSenate easily passes Charter Systems Act
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill today that would allow school systems to become charter systems that are exempt from many rules traditional public schools must follow. In exchange, the systems must meet performance goals spelled out in each charter.
The vote was 53-2. Senate Bill 39 now goes to the House Education Committee.
“This bill is a huge step in the right direction for public education,” Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said just after the vote. “It sets a new platform. It has the potential of impacting the nation.”
Cagle shepherded the legislation through, along with Sen. Dan Weber (R-Dunwoody).
“This model will promote bottom-up management where parents and teachers will be empowered,” Weber said. “We need to have recognication one size does not fit all.”
Currently, schools in Georgia must apply individually to local school boards and the state Board of Education to become charter schools. This bill would speed up that process by allowing several schools at once to gain charter status.
If it becomes law, up to five school systems could be approved in the first year. Each approved system would receive $125,000 from the state to implement their plans. Applicants also would be eligible to receive smaller planning grants.
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