Utah Legislature: Bill empowers charter school leadership

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that gives more power to charter schools passed unanimously through the Senate Education Committee Wednesday.

SB188, sponsored by Rep. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, removes the enrollment cap on charter schools, subject to funds appropriated by the legislature for the increase.

The bill also allows a charter school representative to serve as a nonvoting member of the State Board of Education.

"We are happy to be involved," said State Charter School Board Chairman Brian Allen.

There was considerable debate among committee members and education officials over whether the charter representative should be called a board "member" or "advisor." The bill states it will be "member."

The bill now heads to the Senate for debate.

Go to le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillint/sb0188.htm to view the bill.

— Amy K. Stewart