SENATE GOP BLOCKS BILL ENSURING QUALITY STANDARDS FOR VIRTUAL CHARTERS

Measure would have halted expansion of virtual charter schools in Maine until concerns about cost and quality are addressed

AUGUSTA – Today, Senate Republicans rejected a bill that would have instituted a moratorium on the acceptance of any new virtual charter schools in Maine.

Sen. Rebecca Millett of Cape Elizabeth

“To date, there is little indication how Maine’s current virtual schools are serving Maine students. Only one virtual charter school has been operating for a year, and the second charter school will come online this fall. However, national data shows that more than 70 percent of virtual schools were rated academically unacceptable,” said Democratic Senator Rebecca Millett of Cape Elizabeth, who serves on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “In addition, the charter commission has not been able to explain how they determine a virtual charter school provides a different learning experience from previously authorized schools which is standard required for approval.”

The measure, LD 696, was in nonconcurrence between the House and the Senate, with both bodies “insisting” on their respective positions. The House insisted on the committee’s majority report to pass as amended; the Senate insisted on the committee’s minority report for the bill to not pass. The bill is now dead.

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