Gov. Kay Ivey one of 18 governors to sign letter opposing charter school changes

Gov. Kay Ivey, along with 17 other Republican governors, signed a letter criticizing proposed changes to new or proposed charter schools. The changes could limit federal funding and impose new restrictions.

The governors have asked that the comment period and implementation for the changes be extended for a year and that a community impact requirement be dropped.

The community impact analysis requirement outlined in the proposed changes requires new charter applicants to demonstrate "that there is sufficient demand for the proposed project and that the proposed project would serve the interests and meet the needs of students and families in the community or communities from which students are, or will be, drawn to attend the charter school."

Charter operators would have to include descriptions of targeted staff and student demographics, a family and community engagement plan and how the school's application and enrollment plan will include families across different backgrounds.

The letter states that they oppose attempts by the federal government to "impose a top-down and one-size-fits-all approach" and to act as a "national charter school board."

Other signatories include Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee.

Jemma Stephenson is the children and education reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at jstephenson@gannett.com or 334-261-1569.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Kay Ivey one of 18 governors to oppose changes to charter schools