Charter schools could bring federal money

JACKSON — Mississippi legislators are considering a charter school proposal that backers say could better position the state for federal funding.

The Obama administration has $4.35 billion set aside in its Race to the Top education reform program.

Mississippi Senate Education Committee Chairman Videt Carmichael says the state could earn extra points if it had a charter school law.

Proposals would give parents the option to create charter schools or “new start” schools to try to convert failing ones. Generally, charter schools are supported with public money, but they don’t have to adhere to all state mandates.

Rep. Clara Burnett, a House negotiator, says she doesn’t want the term “charter” in the bill.