Bill would allow more charter schools

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press:  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A measure that would allow more charter schools to open is moving through the Legislature. The Senate Education Committee approved 6-3 Tuesday revising a state law that now limits the number of new charter schools to six a year. Coeur d’Alene Republican Sen. John Goedde said changing the law could help the state in its quest for $75 million to $120 million in competitive federal grants. The U.S. Department of Education previously cautioned states that placed caps on charter school growth that they were jeopardizing their chances at the money. Goedde’s bill, SB 1364, would provide exemptions for charter schools serving low-income, minority, at-risk and immigrant student populations, along with kids who have disabilities or are gifted and talented. Lawmakers opposed to the measure said Idaho shouldn’t kowtow to the demands of the federal government.