"FRANKFORT, Ky. — The House Education Committee passed a bill Thursday morning that officials hope would better position Kentucky to win federal money to improve the academic performance of public schools"
House Bill 176, sponsored by Rep. Carl Rollins, D-Midway, would allow school districts to close low-performing middle and high schools and restart them under the management of a private or non-profit operator, known as an educational-management organization, or EMO.
“I think (the bill) helps us be a little more competitive in the Race to the Top,” Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday said after the committee meeting. “It shows we have a real good plan to help turn around low-performing schools.”
The bill passed 24-1, with two members abstaining. Rollins said he hopes the full House could vote on the measure early next week.
Kentucky could receive up to $200 million through President Barack Obama's Race to the Top contest. The competition pits states against each another and awards those who develop plans to improve student achievement.