House Advances Charter School Measure
School districts throughout Oklahoma could create charter schools under bill
by Rick Green
School districts throughout the state would be allowed to create charter schools under a bill approved by the Oklahoma House on Tuesday.
These public schools, which operate under a specific plan, or charter, are now generally limited to Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.
Backers of the measure, Senate Bill 782, said the legislation will give parents and school boards greater opportunity to address the educational needs of young people. Opponents said it would dilute public school funding at a time when schools are in need of more money.
State Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, said there are many reasons educators or parents might want to open a charter school.