Charter-school bill favors nearby applicants

With the passage of HB136, parents who want their children to attend charter schools may find their kids' enrollment will depend on how close they live to the school.

The House already has voted 52-20 in favor of HB136, and the Senate Education Committee on Monday unanimously voted to send Rep. James Ferrin's bill to the full Senate.

Ferrin, R-Orem, wants to allow charter schools the option of giving preference to applicants who live within the municipality where the school is located or within a two-mile radius of the school.

Committee members acknowledged the bill could negatively impact those who don't have a charter school nearby and put them at a further disadvantage, given that four to five times as many applications are submitted for charter schools as there are seats available in some locations.