With strong bipartisan support, the House on Friday passed a bill, 360-45, to expand access to charter school funding. Introduced by the chairman of the House Education Committee, Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act “supports state efforts to start, expand, and replicate high-performing charter schools,” according to the Education and the Workforce Committee.
The bipartisan measure would provide $300 million annually to expand charter schools and consolidate two programs. It would provide state grants to expand and replicate high-quality charter schools and help fund the acquisition of buildings for the schools.
“The Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act is a bipartisan initiative that will encourage the growth of charter schools and provide a new avenue of hope for children and their families,” Kline said in a statement, but cautioned that their work to provide more education options for students isn’t done.
“By harnessing the innovations coming out of public charter schools, replicating their successes, and sharing those lessons with non-charter schools, we can help make the promise of a quality public school for every child a reality,” George Miller (D-CA) said. “In particular, this legislation supports students who are traditionally underserved by charter schools, including those with disabilities and English-language learners, so that they can enjoy the same opportunities to succeed.”
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