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Charter School Debate Heating Up

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Charter school advocates say the Philadelphia School District is violating state law by capping the number of slots at city charter schools. Those advocates spoke at an assembly Monday afternoon at a school in the center of the fight.

"The caps are illegal," said Doctor Walter D. Palmer. We've said that from Day One."

Doctor says the Philadelphia School District never had the authority to limit enrollment at the charter school he founded. He sued the district in the fall for $1.7 million in state aid he says his school is owed. That money is now tied up on an appeal to the state Supreme Court.

In the meantime, Dauphin County senator Jeffrey Piccola, who co-wrote the state charter school law, is hoping charters will find a friend in incoming Governor Tom Corbett.

"The appeal goes on. But I suspect the new governor - and, I can't speak for him - the new governor will hopefully pull back on that appeal and get back to supporting charter schools throughout Pennsylvania," Piccola said.

The school district has maintained Palmer's charter limits enrollment, and the school isn't entitled to money beyond that.

Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio

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