Enrollment Cap Lifted for Connecticut Charters Demonstrating Academic Achievement

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-26200542.apds.m0075.bc-ct-xgr--apr26,0,6996156.story?coll=hc-headlines-local-wire

Last week, state lawmakers sent Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell a bill that would allow the state's education commissioner to lift enrollment caps for charter schools that can demonstrate a record of academic achievement. Currently, state charter schools can enroll up to 250 students. However, schools that teach students in kindergarten through eighth grade are allowed to enroll up to 300 students. Charter school advocates had asked lawmakers to lift the cap, saying some schools were being hampered by the restriction. "I wish we were doing more, but anything we do that expands our charter schools is a step in the right direction," said Rep. Robert Heagney. Rell has proposed spending $1.7 million in her budget for charter schools, while the Democrats included $1.92 million in their spending plan. A final budget deal has not yet been reached.

Source: The Stamford Advocate
Date: 04/26/2006