Changes Could Come To Accountability Act

It was standing room only as changes to the accountability act were brought up for the first time.

President Pro Tem Del Marsh carried the bill when it first went through the state house, and he says now is the right time to revisit the law. 

 

“One thing that has happened since last year is every legal challenge to the accountability act has taken place and most recently the supreme court struck down the last challenge. So this is the law of the land, it is school choice for parents and teachers in this state,” said Sen. Marsh.

 

Some of the proposed changes include redefining a failing school as well as helping parents apply for the scholarships that make the transfer easier.

 

“Part of the problem is some of the parents have complained of the starting date, cut off requirement date to get into the plan. School in some cases has started before the scholarships become available, so there’s a shift in the dates of when you can apply. It will help those parents,” said Marsh.

 

State Superintendent Tommy Bice was in the crowd and said he was happy lawmakers are revisiting the issue. 

 

“I asked for one very specific change and revision to be made in the accountability act and that was the redefinition of what a low performing school is to accomodate for growth and progress rather than just a straight 10 percent. It was included in the new language and I was very encouraged. But I do have concerns,” said Bice.

 

Some of those concerns revolve around the funding. Marsh wants to increase the amount of money that goes to help students transfer, but others like Kimble Forrister with Alabama Arise would like to see the law completley repealed. 

 

“It’s taking money out of our public schools to meet the needs of parents whose kids attend private schools. As one presenter said, when the boat’s leaking you don’t just run to the other end of the boat, you need to look at the leak,” said Forrister.