Bills to give La. more charter schools

• By SARAH CHACKO
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: May 20, 2008 - Page: 4A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Legislation that would allow for an increased number of charter schools in Louisiana passed through the state House of Representatives on Monday.

Two bills that would limit the renewal and payment of charter schools also passed soon after.

Charter schools are public schools that are supposed to offer innovative programs without much of the red tape traditional public schools face.

House Bill 321, which would increase the state cap on the number of charter schools from 42 to 70, passed with little opposition.

“There’s a movement for charter schools,” said state Rep. Don Trahan, R-Lafayette and sponsor of all three bills. “We’re going to approve a number of them just this year.”

Trahan said a few legislators were advocating for no limit on the number of charter schools in the state.

“A very wise man once told me, ‘Let’s not bite off more than we can chew,’ ” said Trahan, chairman of the House Education Committee.

HB321 passed 91-2.

Another measure to replace the 10-year renewal period charter schools are now granted also sailed through the House.

Currently, a charter school is valid for an initial period of five years. By the three-year mark, the school is reviewed for a 10-year renewal.

Trahan said House Bill 329 would change the allowed renewal period to not less than three years and not longer than 10 years.

He said a shorter renewal period could be used to get charter schools to address problems they may be having sooner.
HB329 passed 98-0.

Trahan’s third charter school bill Monday was not as easily accepted in the House.