LANSING, Mich. — Five days before Christmas, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a bill that gradually lifts the cap on the number of charter public schools, according to the Detroit Free Press. Under the legislation, the cap will be lifted to 300 in 2012 from its current level of 150, and then to 500 in 2014 before being completely eliminated thereafter. New reporting and accountability standards for charter schools are included, the Free Press reported.
Opponents claim the move will divert resources from existing public schools, the Free Press said. Supporters, including Gov. Snyder, argue that charter schools provide a “valuable alternative” to conventional schools.
SOURCES:
The Detroit Free Press, “Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Signs Law Lifting Charter School Limits,” Dec. 20, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “School Choice Advocates Cheer Lift of Charter Public School Cap”
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