The Senate Education Committee is considering a bill that would make it easier for parents to urge school boards to close failing schools -- or convert them into charters.
Currently, schools rated "Academically Unacceptable" for three straight years are reorganized or become charters. If the school doesn't improve for two more years after reorganization, a majority of parents can petition the school board seeking closure.
Senate Bill 1263 would let a majority of parents in a school district seek action from board officials after just two years of unacceptable ratings.
The committee could refer the measure to the full Senate during its meeting Thursday.
Supporters say it bolsters "parent-trigger" laws against failing schools.
But teachers' groups worry the bill may cede control of traditional public schools to charter school operators.
