Charter schools nationwide stand to gain hundreds of millions of dollars from President Bush's education bill, approved Tuesday by the Senate after clearing the House on Dec. 13.

        The education initiative, ""No Child Left Behind,” calls for increasing funding to charter schools for start-up costs, facilities and other needs associated with creating the schools.

        Included in the proposal is a recommendation to allocate millions in federal funds to help states and local communities establish innovative new charter schools.

        In Ohio, House Bill 364 is under consideration. The bill would broaden the scope of charter schools, also known as community schools. If passed, provisions include:

        • Create the State Board of Community Schools as a new public entity to charter schools.

        • Permit all 13 state-assisted universities to sponsor community schools anywhere in Ohio.

        • Allow charter school to be established in school districts labeled in “academic watch.” Charter schools currently are restricted to the 21 urban school districts and districts labeled in “academic emergency.”

        • Permit certain unlicensed people to teach in community schools provided they complete approved one-year mentoring programs.

        The bill is now in hearings of the House Education Committee.

        —Jennifer Mrozowski

Use of force increased as violent crime dropped
Officer used force 57 times in 4 years
Flynts may open Hustler's club
Shirey in running for Springfield job
Charter schools gain enrollment
Charter schools Q&A
Varied people create classes
Bill promotes charter schools
BRONSON: Christmas in a bottle
PULFER: Spirit of Christmas in August
Quick thinking saves stroke victim
Residents OK with sale of Bethesda
Two families lose home in fire
Christmas closings
Good News: Students deliver gifts
IRS worker dies from Sept. 11 injuries
Local Digest
Love of bowling her legacy
Popular game has Ohio State roots
CROWLEY: Checking off twice on year in politics
Northern Ky. Christmas closings
Bars to close earlier
Bethlehem's holiday stamp a ritual
Kentucky rakes in federal roads funds
Patton: Increase teacher pay
Sergeant keeps airport watch
Union miners ratify deal