Charter schools bill clears Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The state Senate has approved a bill that would allow charter schools in Kentucky for the first time.

Kentucky is one of seven states that does not allow charter schools. House Bill 520 would let local school districts and the mayors of Louisville and Lexington authorize charter schools within their communities.

The state Board of Education could overrule those decisions.

The proposal has already passed the House, but because the Senate changed the bill, the House must vote on it again. Under the House bill, if a student left a public school to attend a charter school, state tax dollars would follow that student, with some exceptions. The state Senate removed that language, raising questions as to how the schools would be funded.

In Lexington, Mayor Jim Gray and Superintendent met to discuss the impact of charter schools in the city.  Following their meeting, this statement was released: “The Mayor and Superintendent Caulk have had an initial meeting on Charter schools. While Mayor Gray will rely upon the Superintendent’s expertise concerning Charter schools, they will continue to work together toward a common goal: to provide the best education for Fayette County students.”