A bill that would have allowed public charter schools in North Dakota fell just short in the state House, leaving supporters disappointed but hopeful as a similar measure moves through the Senate.
House Rejects Charter School Proposal by a Single Vote
Lawmakers in the North Dakota House voted 45-44 in favor of House Bill 1358 on Friday. While that might seem like a win, the bill needed at least 48 votes to pass. With five members absent, backers of the bill attempted to bring it up for reconsideration on Monday, but that effort also failed. That effectively ends the bill’s chances in the House for now.
The proposal would have allowed up to 27 public charter schools to be established by 2029. These schools would have received the same per-student funding as traditional public schools. Supporters argued this was a chance to provide parents with more educational options.
Supporters Say Bill Would Have Provided More Choices
For those in favor, the bill was about access and opportunity.
- Rep. Desiree Morton, R-Fargo, emphasized that public charter schools could serve families who struggle with private school costs or have children facing difficulties in large public schools.
- The bill’s chief sponsor, Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, suggested that opposition stemmed from concerns over protecting smaller rural school districts.
North Dakota remains one of just five states in the country that do not allow charter schools.
Opponents Cite Existing Innovation Efforts
Critics of the bill questioned the need for charter schools when existing public schools already have resources to innovate.
“We heard testimony upon testimony about schools that are working on innovation and working hard,” said Rep. Pat Heinert, R-Bismarck. He pointed out that the state has already allocated innovation grants to help districts develop new educational programs.
The concern among some lawmakers was that introducing charter schools could divert funding away from traditional public schools, particularly in smaller communities where resources are already stretched thin.
Senate Takes Up Similar Bill With Key Differences
While the House bill is now dead, the conversation isn’t over. The Senate is reviewing a separate proposal, Senate Bill 2241, which also seeks to introduce public charter schools but with additional oversight mechanisms.
Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, the sponsor of the Senate bill, described it as a more structured approach. It includes requirements for high academic standards, financial accountability, and customized learning programs to ensure these schools meet expectations.
The outcome of the Senate’s deliberations remains uncertain. If the bill gains traction, it could revive the debate in the House. With lawmakers split so closely on the issue, any movement in the Senate will be watched closely by both advocates and opponents.
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