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Kentucky Charter School Bill Clears Senate Committee
By: Associated Press
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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – A proposal to introduce charter schools in Kentucky on a test basis has cleared a state Senate committee, but the measure faces long odds of becoming law.
The bill would allow charter schools to open during a five-year pilot project limited to Jefferson and Fayette counties. The measure cleared the Senate Education Committee on Thursday.
The vote came after heated comments by state Education and Workforce Development Secretary Hal Heiner and Kentucky Education Association President Stephanie Winkler.
Heiner is a leading charter school supporter, while Winkler opposes the measure.
Under the bill, charter schools would target low-income students for priority acceptance.
The bill next goes to the full Senate, where Republicans in charge of the chamber are supportive of charter schools. But it faces strong resistance in the Democratic-led House.