Cyber School Legislation Gains House Approval

Senate Bill 619, legislation to lift the cap on cyber schools in Michigan, gained approval from the House of Representatives Thursday 56-54. The measure, sponsored by Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton), has had a tough time in the House. After passing the Senate in late October of 2011, it did not clear the House Education Committee until over three months later in early February 2012. Now, again nearly three months later, Republicans were able to muster enough votes following a steady flow of amendments to the bill.

The House adopted a substitute H-3 version of the legislation and six additional amendments, all without a vote. Nine Democrat-offered amendments were defeated, also without votes.

The changes made in the House include the requirement of a monthly report to the Michigan Department of Education filed by the cyber schools. Additionally, the ceiling for maximum student population of the cyber schools is gradually increased from 2,500 in the first year, to 5,000 in the second year, 10,000 in the third and so on.

The lifting of the cap on the total number of schools is also graduated in the House-passed version, to five schools until 2014, 10 in 2015, and limiting it to 15 thereafter.

The eight Republicans that voted against the legislation were Representatives Jeff Farrington (R-Utica), Anthony Forlini (R-Harrison Township), Ben Glardon (R-Owosso), Ken Goike (R-Ray Township), Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth), Joel Johnson (R-Clare), Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City), and Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle).

posted by PAA Online , Friday, April 27, 2012 9:58 AM
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