The governor’s Race to the Top education bill was approved by the state Senate Friday afternoon and immediately shipped to the state House of Representatives for a vote there.
One difference remains between the House and Senate versions: the two bodies have different wording for how minorities should be seated on a 15-member board that is to design teacher evaluations.
Senate sponsor Jim Kyle of Memphis is optimistic the bill will be finalized quickly.
“I don’t think this governor needs language to tell him he needs to have diversity on the committees. I think he has a pretty good record … of being that way. But we’re gonna work with the House on that, That’s gonna be fine.”
Both houses must pass the same bill in order for the measure to be enacted. The measure may reach a vote in the House before the day is done.
Governor Phil Bredesen had asked that the measure be passed by Tuesday in order for the state to qualify for a possible half-Billion dollars in federal education aid. The bill passed the Senate 29 to 3.
UPDATE: The bill passed both houses Friday evening and is headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
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