"If we streamlined funding so that we could have a more innovative 'backpack' approach, where the money follows the child, we wouldn't be involved in these squabbles," said Judi Clark, spokeswoman for Parents for Choice in Education, a nonprofit group that supports the charter-school movement.

Steve Winitzky, director of the State Charter School Association, agreed, saying if that was the case, "we wouldn't have this threat from the Legislature and we'd be able to grow at a natural pace."

Charters are allowed to expand 1.4 percent of the state's student growth per year. That could mean approximately 7,500 additional charter students for fall 2011.

There were 66 charter schools during the 2008-2009 school year. Seven are opening this fall, and five are ready to launch in fall 2010 for a total of 78 charter schools.

Charter schools are public schools created by a group of parents, teachers or community leaders who see an educational need in their community. They must apply through the state or the district.

Charter schools are funded by taxpayer dollars, must abide by state law and are held to the same testing requirements as mainstream public schools. Charter schools may not discriminate in admissions nor charge tuition.

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com