SENATE EMPOWERS LOCAL COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY CHARTER SCHOOLS

Bill requires greater public notice and input from affected communities

AUGUSTA – On Monday, the Senate voted 19-15 to give affected communities greater input in the charter school process.

“As we move forward on implementing charter schools in Maine, it is critical that communities have a voice and that future charter school applicants communicate from day one,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland, the sponsor of the bill. “I’m glad the Senate gave strong support to local input.”

The bill would require that an applicant charter school hold public hearings in the proposed area. At the public hearings, the charter applicant must seek public comment, and invite written feedback from elected officials in the affected area. The applicant will then be required to provide the Charter School Commission, the charter authorizing body, with an objective assessment of the public input.

“When we make changes to the education system, it should always be done in the best interest of our students,” said Senator Rebecca Millett of Cape Elizabeth, the Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “We are constantly hearing that decisions should be left to school districts and local communities when it comes to education. This bill gives those very communities more input by ensuring students, parents, teachers, principals, and local school board members are able to weigh in on a proposed charter school.”

The bill, LD 1128, An Act To Provide for Greater Public Input and Local Control in the Chartering of Public Schools, faces more votes in the House and the Senate.

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