PA Senate may take up charter school reform this fall

(Harrisburg) -- Updates to Pennsylvania's charter school law may be taken up again in the state Senate this fall.

Senator Lloyd Smucker says his bill would address accountability issues, a funding formula and the so-called pension double dip.

The Lancaster County Republican says he believes the package is pro-charter and pro-taxpayer.

"Like our traditional public schools, charter schools are part of the public school system, and I think we have an obligation to ensure that they are performing well," Smucker says. "So it's in that spirit that I've introduced the bill."

The Senate passed a similar charter school reform bill last session, but it was not taken up in the House.

The state's charter school law was considered one of the nation’s best when it was enacted in 1997, but many lawmakers believe it's time for an overhaul.