Legislation that would give charters first right to public school buildings clears committee
A bill that would grant Arkansas charter schools the right to use public school facilities that are unused or underutilized advanced out of the Senate Education committee Wednesday on a voice vote with some dissent.
"It’s to prevent empty buildings from sitting and falling down while we’re not using them. It’s as simple as that," Sen. Alan Clark (R-Lonsdale), lead sponsor of the bill, said in an interview. "It allows charter schools to access those buildings if they have a need and if the building’s not being used."
Senate Bill 308 also gives charter schools the right of first refusal to purchase or lease a public school facility at fair market value.
Democratic lawmakers voiced several concerns.
"We keep talking about local control, but this is taking away local control," Sen. Linda Chesterfield (D-Little Rock) said.
Read more: http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2017/02/22/legislation-that-would-give-charters-first-right-to-public-school-buildings-clears-committee
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