BATON ROUGE, La. - A House committee has backed one of Gov.
Bobby Jindal's signature education bills that would let public
schools function more like charter schools, allowing them to waive
state laws and education policies.
The bill by Bossier City Rep. Jane Smith would let school
superintendents apply for a four-year waiver of regulations they
feel restrict their ability to improve performance.
The waiver could set aside things like teacher pay requirements,
curriculum standards, length of school day or school year, budget
restrictions and student-to-teacher ratios.
Supporters say the proposal would give flexibility to districts
that feel hampered by red tape. Opponents argued the regulations
protect students and school employees and shouldn't be waived.
The bill passed 12-3 and heads to the full House for debate.



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