2009 Senate Bill 636

Authorize “neighborhood schools”

Introduced in the Senate

June 11, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R-30)

To authorize “neighborhood schools” run by parents and teachers under contract to a sponsor, such as a mayor, a city or the state board of education. They would have to meet certain standards, but would have more flexible rules than existing public schools (they could institure merit pay and would not be bound by strict seniority “tenure” mandates, for example). Teachers and parents at existing public schools could vote on whether to go independent, and applications to “secede” from a failing a failing school district and create a “neighborhood school” would have priority.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Sept. 9, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Jan. 13, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Education