Va. Legislators Still Weighing Charter-School Bill

Richmond, Va.

A Senate committee is getting more time to consider legislation that would expand the state's role in the charter-school approval process and would potentially allow more of such schools to open in Virginia.

The Senate Education and Health Committee was to vote Thursday on the measure, one of Gov. Bob McDonnell's priorities during his campaign. The bill underwent last-minute changes to make it more palatable to some opponents, so the 15-member committee allowed discussion of the issue and postponed action until next week, said bill sponsor Sen. Stephen Newman.

One of Gov. Bob McDonnell's top priorities has been to enhance the ability of groups and companies to open charter schools, which receive public funding and must meet accountability benchmarks but can operate under different rules. There are three charter schools in Virginia; another is set...