Md. Charters Poised to Debut Amid Concerns

2-Year-Old Measure is Clouded by Debate Over Control, Money

The scene has played out repeatedly across Maryland over the past year: Charter school applicants, standing before untested school boards, have asked to open schools with programs not widely available under the public school system.

But only 10 of 29 charter applications have been approved since Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. signed the legislation into law two years ago after a hard-fought battle.

And while Maryland charter school proponents and many parents are eager to see the independent public schools open the coming fall, some warn that the future is bleak for charters unless Maryland strengthens its charter law, which they say makes it too easy for school boards...