House backs McDonnell on virtual schools, lab schools

[Blue_Tires]

The House of Delegates today passed Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposal to create a framework for approving virtual school programs for public school students and gave preliminary approval to another gubernatorial initiative to create college partnership lab schools.

House bill 1388, on virtual schools, passed 80-18. The lab school bill is slated for a final vote in the House tomorrow.

In a passionate floor speech this afternoon, Del. Lionell Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake, accused the Virginia Education Association and Gov. Bob McDonnell of "selling out" for supporting reforms that would divert money from traditional public schools.

The governor is pushing three public school reforms -- the virtual and lab schools as well as making it easier to open public charter schools.

For virtual and charter schools, state education dollars follow the student. The General Assembly would also direct funding to lab schools at its discretion. Those schools could also tap private sources.

On the House floor, Spruill asked the chamber: "How much money is your school system losing because of what we're doing?"

"How many teachers will be laid off, how many programs will be cut?"

He noted that the legislature is about to hand deep cuts to local public school systems, including programs aimed at at-risk students.

The charter and lab schools would accept public students based on a lottery. Some lawmakers have expressed concern about the students who remain in traditional public schools without the benefit of innovations directed to the charter or lab school students.

"We're hurting our kids," Spruill said. "What about those kids who are not picked in the lottery system? Do you care about them at all?"

"If you love poor kids, please vote against this."
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VIRTGAT08_20100308-134001/329085/

[damyank913]

1. I smell vouchers coming.