Va. House Approves Gov.'s Charter-School Bill

Richmond, Va.

The House of Delegates has approved legislation that would expand the state's role in the charter-school approval process, a measure backed by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

The Republican-dominated House voted Thursday afternoon 65-35, largely along party lines, to pass the bill. The legislation would give the state Department of Education a role in advising prospective charter-school providers on their applications before they go up for approval before local school boards. The local boards would retain ultimate authority...