RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A proposed change to Virginia's constitution aimed at expanding the number charter schools has failed in the Republican-controlled Senate.
The Senate voted 21-19 to reject the constitutional amendment granting the Virginia Board of Education the power to approve charter schools. That authority is currently in the hands of local school districts, which have been hesitant to do so.
The Republican-controlled house has already approved similar legislation, but it will likely meet the same fate as the Senate bill.
Virginia has just nine charter schools. Supporters of the legislation said more are needed to provide students with different methods of learning.
Opponents say the state shouldn't strip control of charters way from local school boards and should focus instead of providing more resources to traditional schools.
