INDIANAPOLIS — When Indiana lawmakers reconvene in January, they will try for the seventh time to pass legislation creating charter schools — and they will face the same roadblocks as in the past.

        “I don't think now's the time to get weary,” said state Sen. Teresa Lubbers, a Republican who introduces the bill each year. “I'm not ready to give it up because I think we have a real chance to improve education.”

        Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have charter schools. But Indiana lawmakers, tugged and pulled by special interest groups with different agendas, can't come to an agreement over control.

        Most educators think charter schools are the most innovative because they are exempt from cumbersome state laws. Depending on the state law, parents, a group of teachers, businesses or the school district may create the schools and create their own curriculum.

        Charter schools are typically characterized by innovative courses and small class sizes.

        In Indiana, there are many supporters: the mayor of Indianapolis, the state Teachers Association, the Chamber of Commerce and groups representing school boards and superintendents.

        But even supporters disagree on how the schools should be controlled and man aged.

        The Indiana School Board Association will support legislation only if the school board controls who can start one, Executive Director Frank Bush said.

        Indianapolis public schools expect the same.

        “There's concern that another agency might not have the same level of dedication and concern,” Superintendent Duncan Pat Pritchet said.

        But Ms. Lubbers said states giving school boards authority don't have many charter schools.

        “It won't do us any good to be the 38th state to pass charter school legislation if we have no intention of opening charter schools,” she said.

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