District News Roundup: Baltimore Mayor Asks Panel For School-Choice Ideas

Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke of Baltimore has announced he would consider a school-choice plan to improve schools in the beleaguered city district.

Mr. Schmoke asked a nine-member task force, which includes representatives from parent organizations, churches, local universities, and the school board, to consider expanding the magnet school program as well as providing parents with vouchers to send their children to private or parochial schools.

The mayor announced the panel the same week that a Maryland House committee voted to slash $5.9 million in state aid if the district fails...