By Chelsea Hagger, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-996618.mp3
LANSING, MI –
More university-sponsored charter schools would be able to operate in Michigan under a bill in the state House. But as Michigan Public Radio's Chelsea Hagger reports, a vote on the measure has been slowed because some lawmakers are skeptical.
Those who oppose the proposal to get rid of the charter school cap say they are not surprised it failed to gain enough support to come up for a vote in the House - which is controlled by a GOP majority.
Democratic state Representative Lisa Brown says the measure should include a requirement that charter schools meet performance standards before opening in Michigan.
"I'm for quality education and every child should have a right to high quality education," he says. "There's nothing in this bill that provides that."
Supporters of the measure say lifting the cap on the number of charter schools that can operate in Michigan will provide more options to students in failing school districts.
It's unclear if the charter school bill will be approved before the end of the year.