Senate: Charters yes, teacher privatization no

LANSING, Mich. — The state Senate passed legislation to allow more charter schools in Michigan, but nixed a provision in the same bill that would have allowed school districts to privately contract for teachers, The Grand Rapids Press reported.

The “teacher privatization” provision was eliminated when legislators approved an amendment to the measure in a voice vote, according to MichiganVotes.org, the legislative tracking service of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. The Mackinac Center also publishes Michigan Education Digest.

Under the original language, school districts would have been able to contract with private companies to provide teachers. Supporters said this would save money because the district would not have to pay into the state retirement system for teachers who are privately contracted, an earlier Press report said.

Regarding charter public schools, the bill lifts a cap on the number of schools authorized by state universities and waives property taxes for groups that own property leased to charter schools, The Press reported.

Advocates said this will open the door for successful out-of-state charter operators to begin schools in Michigan and give parents more choice in their children’s education, according to The Press.

SOURCES:

The Grand Rapids Press, “Senate approves plan to lift charter school cap, but removes provision allowing teachers to be privatized,” Oct. 6, 2011

The Grand Rapids Press, “Lawmakers hope to lure successful charter school companies to Michigan by waiving property taxes, lifting cap,” Sept. 30, 2011

MichiganVotes, “2011 Senate Bill 618: Eliminate charter school cap”

FURTHER READING:

Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Money for Nothing?” Oct. 7, 2011