State says it will stop limiting number of charter schools

The State Board of Education rejected a proposal Thursday to continue limiting the number of new charter school systems approved each year.

The Legislature restricted the state board to approving no more than five charter school districts during the first year of implementation, but that year has passed. State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox has recommended lifting the limits, saying the state will only approve those charter applicants that meet high standards.

On Thursday, board member James E. Bostic Jr. asked the board to continue the cap at five. Among the systems already approved are Decatur and Marietta.

“Georgia has a very good reputation on how we have gone about authorizing individual charter schools. Now that we’re approving charter systems, I want us to be careful and have quality systems.”

The board rejected Bostic’s proposal by a 2-9 vote, opting to not limit the number of charter applications.

“To put a quota on the number would send a message and put a cap on the initiative and enthusiasm local systems are doing,” said board member Mary Sue Polleys. “It would be equivalent to a teacher saying I can only give five A’s regardless of how hard students work.”

Bostic said he fears an influx of systems will apply for charter status, which comes with up to $600,000 in federal grants and up to $125,000 in state funds. The system is also eligible for up to $100 per student enrolled in charter schools.

State law allows charter systems to circumvent procedures school districts must follow in exchange for a pledge to meet a strong academic plan.

The board will accept public input for the next 30 days and finalize the charter system rules at its December meeting.