Senate committee amends charter school bill

JACKSON — Online charter schools would not be allowed under a bill that Mississippi senators are pushing forward.

A committee agreed today to an amendment banning such virtual schools, which have been a subject of intense argument among education advocates.

The bill would also let charter schools sponsor prekindergarten programs, although no state money is provided for students four years and younger.

Provisions that would allow any student in the state to attend a charter school are still the same, as are provisions that would let charter schools be set up in any district rated successful or lower without the approval of the local board. Those who favor restricting charter schools could offer such amendments when the full Senate takes up the bill. That action is expected later this week.