Montgomery, AL – Gov. Robert Bentley and Republican legislative leaders are offering a bill to legalize charter schools and give existing public schools the option to get waivers from state regulations in return for increased accountability.
Bentley and legislative leaders announced the Education Options Act on Wednesday at a former Montgomery school that was attended by first lady Dianne Bentley.
One of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Phil Williams of Huntsville, said it will do away with one-size-fits-all school regulations and create a buffet of options. He said the first charter schools would likely be in areas with failing schools.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard said he expects the House to take up the legislation in early April, and he predicted it will pass. Similar legislation died in the past when Democrats controlled the Legislature.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)