RALEIGH - A controversial measure that would create a separate governing body for charter schools is undergoing changes in the state legislature. The proposed board would become an advisory council with no binding authority under a vote in the House education committee on Tuesday.

Eddie Goodall with the NC Public Charter Schools Association says it's a better arrangement for everyone. “Charter schools are so unique and they just need that expertise. They were, I think, fairly burdensome for the state board of education for many years because of that uniqueness.”

Goodall also says charters want to be part of the public education system. “The charter schools want to be part of a larger pie, if you will. They want to stay…in the public arena.”

The bill would change the composition of the current charter advisory board, which critics say will lead to a loss on institutional knowledge. Supporters say the changes should relieve concerns that creating a separate board would be unconstitutional.

The state Department of Public Instruction would have the authority to overrule the charter advisory council.