The committee debated Senate Bill 8, “No Cap on Number of Charter Schools.”

A Committee Substitute proposed and is now before the committee. Sen. Stevens says this is a starting point. His intent is to get the best bill that provides the best education for students.

The bill removes the current cap on the number of charter schools. It creates a new independent NC Public Charter Schools Commision to approve and monitor charters of 11 members (Superintendent of Public Instruction and appointees by Governor and General Assembly). It clarifies funding – state funds could be used for land and facilities, and local governments could provide funds for facilitites as well. Charters could get a portion of lottery funds for school construction. Enrollment cap would be eliminated.

Sen. Purcell voices concerns that the bill segregates charter schools. Stevens says it doesn’t.

Sen. Rucho asks about surplus school properties available to purchase or lease by charters. Under the bill, cities and counties may make capital funds available to charters – one of the big changes in this bill.

Sen. Graham voices support for the bill but says the devil is in the details. Will the new commission create a dual system with more bureacracy? The response: This does not require additional dollars. Charters will have 1 percent of their gross per pupil allotment withheld to support the commission.

Sen. Robinson is concerned about boards holding charters accountable. Stevens says accountability standards have not changed.

Sen. McKissick suggests that the commission be advisory to the State Board of Education. He also would like charters to apply for federal programs to provide free lunch to qualifying students. He has concerns about charters getting lottery money. Stevens says food and transportation have been considered – will have to work it out.

Sen. Stein is concerned about charters being used to resegregate by not providing free lunch and transportation. He wants strong accountability. If they get freedom, they have to deliver more.He’s concerned about totally eliminating the cap.

Stevens says they will provide the committee demographics and more info on the performance of charters in North Carolina.

Sen. Garrou asks about when a child drops out after 10th or 20th day, does that per pupil allocation go back to district school? Stevens: No, just like district school, funding is set for the year after the first few weeks of the school year.

Darrell Allison of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina speaks in favor. Karen Sutton, Charlotte parent who has been trying to get her daughter in charter and on waiting list for two years, wants the cap lifted.

Opposed to the bill: Anne McCall with SBE says they are concerned with the constitutional authorization for SBE to administer free public schools. She wants an advisory council that is “qualified” to serve and advise SBE. She doesn’t like new commission. Departments within SBE serve the population of charters.

Leanne Winner of the school boards association is concerned about choice. Will all children have an opportunity? Those who need free lunch and transportation don’t have the choice. She has funding mechanism concerns – authorized cities while they are not authorized to fund district schools. She has concerns about accountability of money. She says charters get a disproportionate amount of per pupil allocation.

There is no vote today. Amendments will be taken next week.

Discussion will continue next Wednesday. If the bill is at a good point, they’ll vote next week. If not, discussion will continue.