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Published 05/12/2020 | Reading Time 1 min 39 sec
OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that provides reforms and transparency to virtual charter schools passed unanimously out of the state Senate today and now heads to Gov. Stitt’s desk. Rep. Sheila Dills and Sen. Dewayne Pemberton authored House Bill 2905, which would create the Virtual Charter School Reform and Transparency Act of 2020.
“Virtual schools meet a real educational need for some students in Oklahoma, but policy hasn’t been able to keep pace with this type of model,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “Today’s vote was a step forward for transparency and accountability for virtual charter schools. We are grateful to Rep. Dills and Sen. Pemberton for involving the Oklahoma State Department of Education in helping draft a bill that strengthens requirements for virtual charter schools while protecting student and parent choice. Our thanks also extend to House and Senate leadership for ensuring this important bill was heard in a Legislative session truncated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
HB 2905 addresses issues regarding transfers, communication between districts, student attendance policies, truancy and new student orientation. The bill now goes to Gov. Stitt for his signature.
“With the support of the House and Senate, I now urge Gov. Stitt to sign the bill. Oklahomans are ready for commonsense measures that hold all schools accountable.”