Educators on both sides weighed in this week on the debate over allowing charter schools in Kentucky.

Speaking before the House Education Committee at the Capitol, leaders of charter schools around the nation told lawmakers why they favor a proposal by Republican Rep. Brad Montell of Shelbyville that would allow them in Kentucky. Their testimony was followed by that of public school advocates who oppose the measure.

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are permitted to contract with a school district or other entity to operate outside some of the regulations governing other state schools.

Rep. Carl Rollins, a Midway Democrat, said he is not inclined to support the legislation, but he appreciated the "good discussion."