2009 Senate Bill 925

Authorize charter school expansion

Introduced in the Senate

Oct. 20, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Samuel B. Thomas (D-4)

To authorize the establishment of “schools of excellence,” which would be charter schools authorized by either a local school district, Intermediate School District, a local community college or a state university. Existing charter operators in Michigan or other states that for three years have been given the state's highest designation would not be subject to existing state caps; up to 25 new or other schools (without a three year top score) could be authorized. See also Senate Bill 926, which would authorize "transition" payments to conventional school districts.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Dec. 2, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that would also authorize three statewide "cyberschools" to provide full-time instruction to pupils through online learning or other technology, be open to all pupils in the State, and offer all grades K to 12.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D-23)

To strip out a "cyber-school" provision waiving state statutes and regulations that otherwise would require students' physical presence in the classroom (and so essentially prohibit this type of remote-learning school).

The amendment failed 14 to 22 (details)

Passed in the Senate 23 to 13 (details)

To authorize the establishment of “schools of excellence,” which would be charter schools authorized by either a local school district, Intermediate School District, a local community college or a state university. Existing charter operators in Michigan or other states that for three years have been given the state's highest designation would not be subject to existing state caps; up to 25 new or other schools (without a three year top score) could be authorized, of which three would be statewide "cyber-schools".

Received in the House

Dec. 2, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Education

Dec. 10, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 21, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Education