Senate committee approves charter school bill

JACKSON, Miss. — Legislation to expand charter schools in Mississippi is once again moving forward.

A state Senate committee approved Senate Bill 2189 on a split vote Tuesday.

The action came after Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves met privately with committee members Monday evening. The bill wasn't released until Tuesday morning.

The bill would give districts rated "A'' or "B'' a veto over whether charters can locate there, while "C'' and lower-rated districts wouldn't get a veto.

Charter schools are public schools that agree to meet certain standards in exchange for freedom from regulations. Proponents say they can improve achievement in Mississippi. Opponents fear they will skim motivated students and money from traditional schools.

The Senate passed similar bills last year by votes of 34-17 and 31-19. Charter measures failed in the House.