More has been revealed during a state committee hearing about what Governor Jay Nixon (D) says he would accept in a change to Missouri’s student transfer law.

Senator David Pearce (Courtesy, Missouri Senate)

Senator David Pearce (Courtesy, Missouri Senate)

Senator David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) said the governor has shown a willingness to work with the legislature on the transfer issue, but he still doesn’t want anything that would allow public tax dollars to go to private schools, as the bill he vetoed last year would have done.

“If we took that out and we also took out some provisions that he felt did not help for transportation, then he would entertain the possibility of an expansion of charter schools and virtual schools,” Pearce told Missourinet.

Pearce’s committee is faced with combining four transfer proposals into one bill. One of those proposals comes from Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City), who has included a so-called “private option,” and has been adamant in her support of it, but she said what Nixon has offered could present an acceptable arrangement.

“The difference between this year and last year is the governor is offering options, and right now, having an open enrollment provision for charter schools that are qualified … I think provides more choice for students than the local private option, even thought I still like the local private option.”

Pearce said a proposal might be voted out of committee next week.