Charter School Bill Passes

A bill setting up alternative schools passed into law on Tuesday evening.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said the changes in the Education Amendment Bill would lift achievements across the board for all students.

Partnership or charter schools would deliver a third educational option opening new possibilities for those who were not served well by the current system.

The bill also clarified search and seizure rules for schools and students.

Labour’s education spokesman Chris Hipkins said all schools were focussed on achieving the best results for students.

He said today was a sad day for the education system as the bill was about riding rough shod over public opinion by effectively deregulating the teaching profession.

The bill passed its third reading by 62 to 57 with National, Maori Party and ACT supporting

MPs began debating the third reading of the Land Transport Management Amendment Bill.

Earlier the Government adjourned the Budget debate at 5.30pm.

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