By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-985174.mp3
LANSING, MI –
A state Senate panel began hearings Wednesday on a package of sweeping education reforms. This is the second round of major changes proposed to Michigan's education system this year. Michigan Public Radio's Laura Weber has more.
The package of bills include measures that would allow more charter schools in the state, allow schools to hire teachers from private companies, and require districts to open empty seats in classrooms to students who live outside of the area. Representatives from the education community say the proposals are controversial.
Senate Education Committee Chairman Phil Pavlov says he does not think so.
"I'm not sure I'd use the word controversial,' I mean we having a conversation about choice for parents and students in the state and that shouldn't be controversial," he says.
Pavlov also took the lead on the debate over teacher tenure reform earlier this year. He says he does not have a timeline to get this round of education reforms through the Legislature.