Charter Schools Authorized in Bill Signed by Mississippi Governor

Just 15 per year, but it's a start

Education reform measures signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant constitute real progress, business leader and education advocate Jim Barksdale said.

"Follow-through in future years — which will require funding — and faithful implementation are critical," Barksdale said.

On Wednesday, in front of hundreds at Northwest Rankin High School, once attended by his two children, Bryant signed into law most of his education reform package including charter schools. He touted it as the most significant education package in the history of Mississippi.

"It is transformative. … It will begin a new era for education in Mississippi," Bryant said. "The changes enacted by this legislation will help the state create and retain the best teachers, create public charter schools of excellence that will give our students in failing schools access to higher education, and create reading practices that will stop the exercise of social promotion."