Washington lawmakers discuss bills to revive charter schools



SEATTLE (AP) — State lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on two proposed legal fixes to the state's charter school system.


Lawmakers are seeking a way to answer last fall's state Supreme Court ruling that found Washington's charter school system was unconstitutional. The justices had a problem with the new public schools getting state money but not being controlled by a voter-elected school board.

Much, but not all, of the testimony from parents, teachers and education advocates was positive about the proposals. Students who attend some of Washington's first charter schools were among the people testifying before the Senate Education Committee.

More people expressed support for a bill that would bring all charter schools under the authorization and control of local school boards. Another proposal would mirror the voter initiative, with a change in the way the schools are paid for.