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Charter-school flexibility on Technology, Life and Careers course fails in House vote
Summary
An amendment narrowing alternative-credit flexibility for the Technology, Life and Careers (TLC) course to charter schools was debated at length and ultimately failed when the House voted 25–41 against the amended measure (House Bill 189).
The House debated amended provisions to House Bill 189 that would have limited some curriculum flexibility (substituting certain extra-credit units for the Technology, Life and Careers course) to charter schools rather than to local school districts.
Representative Farrin, sponsor of the amendment, said the change narrows applicability to charter schools, viewed as laboratories for innovation, and would allow charter boards to substitute an additional unit of math, science, language arts, social studies or computer technology in place of the TLC class if they provided alternative instruction in careers and agribusiness. Farrin argued this would preserve choice for charter schools and permit targeted flexibility.
Opponents — including Representatives Noel, Christiansen, Allen and others — urged adherence to the state charter-school process and oversight by the state charter school board, arguing the change bypassed established review channels and could undercut accountability for public funds. Representative Noel in particular expressed concern that the state charter school board and its director had not been consulted.
After extended debate, the House voted; the amended House Bill 189 failed to pass with a recorded vote of 25 yes and 41 no. The sponsor urged continued work on the issue but the measure did not advance on third reading.
