KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Time is running out on the current session of the Missouri Legislature, but lawmakers were able to pass a bill that means big changes to how charter schools operate in the state.
The Missouri Senate has passed a bill that would allow charter schools to operate in districts that have lost their accreditation, such as the Kansas City Public School district. The bill also allows charter schools in any district in the state if the local school district is willing to sponsor them.
In addition, a new nine-member state commission could also sponsor charter schools, with an accountability section that requires sponsors to track the schools and close the ones that are performing poorly.
Currently, many charter schools in the state are overseen by colleges and universities.
The current legislative session ends on Friday.
