Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday passed House Bill 191, which makes adjustments to the 1995 law passed by the Alaska State Legislature establishing charter schools in Alaska.

"Alaskan charter schools have attracted an impressive cadre of educational enthusiasts who have struggled to make the Charter Schools work under Alaska law," said Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River), sponsor of HB 191. "Three years of experience has highlighted areas of Alaskan charter school law that need adjustment and HB 191 addresses some of these issues."

HB 191 strengthens the hand of charter schools by:

1. Removing the cap on the allowable number of charter schools;
2. Increasing the allowable length of a charter school's contract;
3. Ensuring accountability by requiring student exit exams;
4. Allowing not-for-profit charter schools to raise funds in order to supplement their budgets; and
5. Clarifying that charter school students are to receive an equitable share of State, Federal, Local, and other revenue they generate.

This bill requires that charter schools receive an itemized list of services that are provided by school districts. Other than those required by law, it allows charter schools to "opt out" of some of the services local school districts provide.

"Charter schools may be the most vibrant force in Alaskan education today," Dyson said. "Genuine educational innovation and passionate participation are occurring in Alaska's charter schools. While it is reassuring and heart-warming to see the dedication and fervor of parents involving themselves in their children's education, it is alarming to see the difficult barriers they face. HB 191 lowers some of these barriers while at the same time increasing accountability to taxpayers by revealing the per-pupil cost of each educational service on a "stand-alone" basis.

HB 191 passed the House 34-5.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Fred Dyson, 35 K = Fred Dyson, 76 K

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