North Dakota House Passes Bill to Establish Public Charter Schools
A bill to establish public charter schools in North Dakota has passed the House with a 64-29 vote. Senate Bill 2241 would allow the creation of public charter schools that operate outside of school districts and are overseen by their own internal governing boards. These schools would receive state funding but cannot charge tuition or teach religious curriculum.
Supporters of the bill, like Sen. Michelle Axtman, believe that charter schools could benefit rural communities by providing an alternative to traditional public schools. However, opponents, such as Rep. Larry Klemin, have expressed concerns about the potential financial impact on public schools and taxpayers.
The bill will now go back to the Senate to concur with the House’s amendments before heading to the governor’s desk for approval. The overall fiscal impact of the bill remains unclear, as it is uncertain how many students would switch from traditional public schools to charter schools.
If approved, charter schools in North Dakota would need to meet academic and graduation benchmarks set by the Department of Public Instruction. The bill aims to provide communities with a choice in their education options, but it has sparked debate over the future of public education in the state.
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