Wilson Signs Bill to Increase Number of Charter Schools

Gov. Pete Wilson on Thursday signed into law a bill expanding California’s charter school program. As a result, a planned November ballot initiative on the issue will be shelved.

The bill the governor signed will increase the number of charter schools--which operate semi-independently within a public district--that can be started each year.

Wilson, a strong supporter of charter schools, signed the bill by Assemblyman Ted Lempert (D-San Carlos) at such a school in Lempert’s district.

“As governor I have few pleasures that are greater than seeing how bills that I sign can actually significantly improve the lives of children,” Wilson said.

The bill raises the limit on charter schools from 112 to 250 in the first year, then allows 100 more each year thereafter. It also allows new or existing schools to become charter institutions if enough parents or teachers sign a petition.

“Most important of all, it will give parents a far stronger voice” in their children’s education, Wilson said.

The bill also requires parents to donate time to schools, toughens credentialing requirements for teachers and imposes greater scrutiny on the schools’ finances.

Passage of the bill headed off what promised to be a fierce struggle over an initiative calling for a stronger charter schools program.

Reed Hastings, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who organized the initiative drive, said the new bill will improve education for all public school students.

“What charters are about is a mandate for change in the entire district,” he said.

Charter schools have more latitude than regular public schools in curriculum, but must meet state standards for admissions, student achievement and staff qualifications. About 50,000 of California’s 5 million public school students attend charter schools.