12-19-13 charter schools

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow independent charter schools to be started throughout Wisconsin.  Currently, independent charter schools are allowed only in Milwaukee and Racine.  The bill introduced last week by five state representatives would let regional educational agencies and technical college district boards contract with companies or nonprofits to run independent charter schools.  Most Wisconsin charter schools now are overseen by local school boards. The bill would rename those charters as magnet schools.  Rep. Dale Kooyenga, of Brookfield, says the changes would bring Wisconsin's definition of a charter school in line with the federal government's and make it easier for the schools to get federal money.