State discusses how many charter school applications to allow

State Board of Education members debated Wednesday whether to limit the number of school districts they can approve for charter status each year.

The law creating charter districts limits the state board to approving no more than five charter systems during the first year of implementation. The state board approved four last summer, including systems in Decatur and Marietta.

Now that the law has entered a second year, it’s up to state board to decide whether there should be a limit.

State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox recommended there be none. She said the state has established what is expected of charter applicants and will only approve those that meet the high standards.

“Why limit ourselves; we can do 20 if they’re good enough,” Cox said.

Board member James E. Bostic Jr. argued the limit should remain at five to insure a high quality of charter systems.

“I’m having a hard time understanding why we want to throw out the cap,” Bostic said.

Charter systems are exempt from many state laws and practices other districts must follow. In exchange, charter systems must demonstrate strong academic achievement as spelled out in a contract written by the system and approved by the state.

Bostic cautioned that many school districts may apply for charter status because of the extra money they receive if approved.

All charter systems are eligible for up to $600,000 in federal grants and up to $125,000 in state money.

A new state law also gives charter systems an extra $100 for each student enrolled in the system for each year the district has a charter status. Marietta schools with about 9,000 students will receive an extra $900,000 a year.

Bostic made a motion to amend the state’s proposal to cap charter systems at five a year, but no one seconded.

Board chairwoman Wanda Barrs said it would be more appropriate for Bostic to make the motion during Thursday’s business meeting.

The board is scheduled to vote Thursday to initiate changes to the rules over charter schools and systems and hold a public hearing on them in December. The board could then approve the changes in December.