Cap on Michigan charter schools lifted - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

Cap on Michigan charter schools lifted

Posted: Updated:
FLINT (WJRT) -

(12/20/11) - Sweeping changes to Michigan's Education policies continued Tuesday afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m., Gov. Rick Snyder signed a reform bill lifting the cap on charter schools.

This is part of Gov. Snyder's plan to reinvent Michigan schools. It's a plan that has generated controversy among educators across the state. "I think it's a sad day for public education in the state of Michigan," said Frank Burger with the Carman-Ainsworth Education Association.

Democrats and teachers unions oppose the move, saying it could hurt traditional public school districts. "They're not required to fund and have bussing and take students to school, they're not necessarily required to offer special education services to special needs students," Burger said.

Mid-Michigan charter school leaders say that's not true. Patty Wood is principal at Grand Blanc Public Academy. "We are a public school so we follow all the same guidelines that all the traditional schools follow and all our teachers are highly qualified and we don't defer from any of that," Wood said.

This bill is the latest step on Gov. Snyder's long list proposed education reforms. Supporters say it will give parents and students more options about where to attend school.

"It's difficult for parents to have a choice when they're confined to one area in the city and they want to provide a better educational system for their child. Not saying that the public schools aren't doing that, but it gives them a choice," Wood said.

This bill comes after the passage of teacher tenure reform back in July, which dramatically changes how teachers are granted tenure. It now focuses more on teacher effectiveness.

  • Local News

  • Monday, May 20 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 04:01:42 GMT
    (05/19/13) - Breaking news out of Saginaw County, police say one man is dead tonight after a motorcycle crash.It happened just after 7 p.m. on Tittabawasee Road between Hospital and Hackett roads.Police
    (05/19/13) - Breaking news out of Saginaw County, police say one man is dead tonight after a motorcycle crash.It happened just after 7 p.m. on Tittabawasee Road between Hospital and Hackett roads.Police
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 11:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 03:32:11 GMT
    (05/19/2013) - Their goal is saving lives in the future and today they were put to the test.These young cadets are working on a search and rescue training mission called "Operation Wolverine".   The cadets
    (05/19/2013) - Their goal is saving lives in the future and today they were put to the test.These young cadets are working on a search and rescue training mission called "Operation Wolverine".   The cadets
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 11:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 03:27:53 GMT
    (05/19/2013) - We are still months away from Back to The Bricks.   But, one local organization is starting early.   More than 300 vehicles were on display at Baker College's Transportation Technology facility
    (05/19/2013) - We are still months away from Back to The Bricks.   But, one local organization is starting early.   More than 300 vehicles were on display at Baker College's Transportation Technology facility
Powered by WorldNow

abc12.com

ABC12 Main Station
810-233-3130

Mailing Address:
2302 Lapeer Road
Flint, Michigan 48503

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WJRT. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.