Calif. Initiative Would Open Way for Many New Charter Schools

By Lynn Schnaiberg

A California coalition founded by a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, and a schools superintendent is gearing up to put a ballot initiative before state voters in the fall that could dramatically expand the number of charter schools in the state.

The group, Californians for Public School Excellence, was expected to launch its campaign this week. Backers have already started gathering the 693,230 signatures required for the measure to go before voters in November. Supporters have until mid-April to collect...