Gary Palmer: The Real costs of the legislature killing the charter school bill

  Once again the Democrat majority that controls the Alabama State Legislature did what they so often do -- fail the parents and children of Alabama. The latest abuse of their legislative majority is the killing of a bill that would allow charter schools in Alabama.

  Charter schools are independent public schools allowed to operate with much the same flexibility as private schools. Charter schools can set objectives and hire the teachers and staff necessary to achieve those objectives. They do not have the restrictions placed on public schools when it comes to firing incompetent staff or teachers. In addition, if charter schools fail to educate adequately, they can be closed.

  Although they are under state law and are usually authorized by a state or local government agency or college, they have much greater independence in establishing budgets and academic programs. Charter schools can be a tremendous benefit to communities with failing schools where the majority of students come from highly disadvantaged backgrounds. And that is what makes the killing of the charter school bill so disappointing.