Charter schools could expand across the state

Traditional public schools would face more competition under a bill presented to the House Education Committee Wednesday [Feb. 23]. Rep. Tishaura Jones, D-St. Louis City, sponsored the bill, which would allow school districts outside of Kansas City and St. Louis City to create charter schools. Charter schools, which are publicly funded, are governed by an independent school board and are currently sponsored by a Missouri public university. They are held to the same performance and attendance standards as other public schools around the state. "The bill would give superintendents another tool in their toolbox," Jones said. Many parents from St. Louis City came out for the hearing wearing yellow scarves in support of school choice and the expansion of charter schools. "This is a choice issue; families should have a choice for their children," said Pamela McLucas, a parent whose children have attended charter schools. Byron Clemens, a spokesman of American Federation of Teachers Missouri, said charter schools are not working well enough to justify expansion. "The vision is simply not happening at charter schools right now," Clemens said. Rep. Sara Lampe, D-Springfield, said the bill could allow business firms and organizations to turn a profit on education. "We need to follow the money," Lampe said. Lampe said she supports alternative school choices but not the charter school expansion bill.