House Education Committee Members voiced concerns that allowing for non-profits or others to authorize charter schools could increase school districts in the state.
Bill sponsor, Republican Rep. Lynn Gattis of Anchorage said her intent was to debate aspects of her bill and incorporate elements into Gov. Sean Parnell’s omnibus education bill which was also before the committee.
Currently the bill would grant chartering authority to government agencies, education-related nonprofits, and accredited post-secondary institutions. School districts currently hold this authority.
Homer Rep. Paul Seaton voiced concerns over bigger questions.
Rep. Seaton: “And it seems to me that with the separate authorizers outside of the school districts, we are giving over to other entities the ability to create new school districts that are going to receive the funds.”
Both bills remain in committee.
