The Alabama Legislature is considering a bill that would give local school systems more flexibility in determining their rules and regulations.
The bill is opposed by the Alabama Education Association. AEA officials are concerned it could allow some local systems to strip rights away from teachers. They see it as a possible back-door approach to creating public/private charter schools in Alabama.
The House Education Policy Committee approved the bill last week on a voice vote after a public hearing. The Senate Education Committee held a hearing on a similar bill but delayed a vote.
Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard supports the legislation and says it has nothing to do with charter schools.
State Schools Superintendent Tommy Bice says he believes the legislation would increase creativity in schools.