Gov. Riley Asks Ala. Board to Endorse Charter Schools

Montgomery, Ala.

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley asked members of the state school board Tuesday to support his efforts to authorize charter schools.

Riley told board members that a bill would be introduced in the upcoming legislative session that would allow charter schools to operate in the state. He said authorizing charter schools would give Alabama a better chance to compete for as much as $200 million in federal money the Obama administration is offering to states for innovative education programs.

Charter schools operate as public institutions, but with less red tape and regulations. The schools must meet state academic standards and are not allowed to discriminate in enrollment. But the schools often operate without requirements that students live in certain neighborhoods or only meet a...