W.V. CHARTER SCHOOLS FACE LEGAL HURDLE

A circuit judge has issued a permanent injunction blocking West Virginia’s charter school system over constitutional concerns.  Judge Jennifer Bailey ruled that new charter schools can’t be authorized without voter approval in affected counties.  The decision stems from a constitutional provision requiring majority voter consent before creating independent school districts.  The eight charter schools already operating can continue for now, but the ruling gives lawmakers 60 days to address the issue through special elections or legislative action.