By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Despite trying three times, Washington has not, up until now, had sufficient signatures to get on the ballot permitting charter schools to become part of the state’s education system.

Yes on 1240, the name of the organizing group, has spent more than $2 million to gather the the necessary 242,000 required signatures which would allow 40 of the independent public schools to open in the state.

The effort has attracted Microsoft founder Paul Allen, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, and Mike and Jackie Bezos, parents of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as well as money from out-of-state.

Material on the opposing group’s position may be found on the website of the union, the Washington Education Association.

CBSnews.com reports that most money has come from Washington technology leaders including Bill Gates, costing $6 per signature to put the issue on the November ballot.