There are currently only seven charter schools in the entire state of Virginia. A “proposed constitutional amendment meant to make it easier to establish charter schools in Virginia cleared the state Senate Wednesday after a heated debate over whether the measure would undermine public education and local control of schools.” Proponents want to encourage choice for students. The opposition is concerned that the amendment would undermine the authority of the local school boards, however. The process of amending the state constitution requires approval by the General Assembly is required in two consecutive years, followed by a referendum.

Laura Vozzella, The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/charting-the-right-path-on-education-in-maryland-and-virginia/2015/02/06/7cd008fe-ae26-11e4-ad71-7b9eba0f87d6_story.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/va-senate-passes-proposed-amendments-to-the-constitution/2015/02/04/aac8c6de-acae-11e4-ad71-7b9eba0f87d6_story.html