Oklahoma House advances bill to create charter school commission

The House passed Senate Bill 260 by a vote of 52-42. Bills need at least 51 votes to pass in the 101-member House. The measure now goes to the Senate where it appears headed for a conference committee.

Rep. Lee Denney, the House author of the measure, said the seven-member commission would set up guidelines for charter schools to offer virtual courses statewide.

The virtual courses could be open to students who have missed school because of an illness or an injury and want to make up credits, students who have had trouble in classes, or homeschooled students whose parents may have difficulties instructing certain courses, said Denney, R-Cushing.

“The scenarios are endless,” she said.

“Virtual schools are here,” Denney said. “Our kids get it. ... The Big Chief tablet's gone, the iPad's in.”

Opponents voiced concerns that charter schools offering virtual courses would take money from public schools, but Denney countered by reminding members in her debate that charter schools are sponsored by public schools.