Package of Four Controversial Charter Bills To Come Before AssemblyThe most contentious proposal would give local voters the right to OK any charters in their community.
Charter school policy will get one last look this week before the legislature heads off for summer, with the Assembly expected to take up a package of proposals that could change how the schools are approved and monitored.
Whether the Senate will consider the measures as quickly -- let alone approve any or all of them -- is far less certain.
The Assembly budget committee is expected to hear two controversial bills today. One would allow certain parochial and private schools to be converted into publicly funded charters.
The other bill would expand the number of outside organizations that could review, approve and oversee charters. Now, just the state Department of Education (DOE) has that role, called an authorizer.
In addition, two charter bills already approved in committee are headed to vote in the full Assembly on Thursday. These include the most controversial measure of all: a bill to give local voters a binding say on whether a charter school could open in a community.
The other would strengthen some of the accountability rules affecting charters, including tighter