SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 49
(By Senators Helmick, McCabe, Bowman, Chafin, Edgell,
D. Facemire, Fanning, Green, Plymale, Prezioso, White,
Unger, Wells, Boley, K. Facemyer, Guills and Sypolt)
[Originating in the Committee on Finance]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
various benefits of authorizing the establishment of charter
schools.
Whereas, Charter schools are publicly funded elementary,
middle grade or high schools that are exempt from many of the laws
and regulations applicable to traditional public schools; and
Whereas, The first charter school law was passed in Minnesota
in 1991; and
Whereas, Thirteen of the 16 Southern Regional Education Board
states authorize charter schools, with only Alabama, Kentucky and
West Virginia not allowing charter schools; and
Whereas, According to a policy alert published by the Center
for Education Reform in February, 2007, only 10 states nationally
do not allow charter schools; and
Whereas, Laws that grant charter schools maximum autonomy and
provide multiple sponsoring entities are referred to as strong and legislation that grants charter schools less autonomy and a more
limited number of sponsoring entities is referred to as weak; and
Whereas, During the fall of 2008, there were more than 4,500
charter schools serving more than 1.3 million students in the U.
S.; and
Whereas, Charter schools can enhance the quality of other
public schools, both through competition and through the
replication of successful practices in other public schools;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the various benefits of authorizing the
establishment of charter schools; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
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