Federal Money a Factor in Miss. Charter School Debate

Jackson, Miss.

Mississippi legislators are considering a charter school proposal that proponents say could better position the state for the federal Race to the Top competition and provide an option for parents with children in struggling schools.

The Obama Administration has set aside $4.35 billion for states in its education reform competition. In Mississippi, any boost in education funding would be welcomed, some lawmakers say.

But debate has been heated on proposals to give parents the option to create charter schools and "new start" schools in an effort to convert failing ones. Mississippi has 212 schools that are classified as failing or at risk of failing. The state has a total of 951...