A charter school reform measure won’t be going to the governor’s desk just yet. Instead the Ohio House has opted to spend more time making changes to the bill.
Lawmakers say the bill would increase transparency and accountability.
But the House voted to send it to a conference committee where they say they want to iron out some changes with the Senate.
Several leaders, including Democratic Representative Teresa Fedor of Toledo, fear the conference committee is a way for the legislature to make exceptions for some charter school operators, especially those who are known for making large contributions to Republican campaigns.
“It is my grave concern, behind closed doors, the bill will be watered down with carve-outs and loopholes for the charter school industry,” said Fedor.
Pro-charter school advocates, such as the Fordham Institute, have supported the bill saying that it rewards high-performing schools and gets rid of the bad actors.
