Perry touts charters, vouchers in address to state board

AUSTIN (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry is calling for increasing the number of public charter schools in Texas and lauding a voucher plan.

Addressing the State Board of Education on Friday, Perry told its members that "in terms of philosophy, this is where the rubber meets the road."

He said more students should be able to leave traditional campuses for charter schools. Current law caps licenses to operate charters statewide at 215.

Perry also repeated his previous support for "scholarships," or vouchers allowing parents in poor performing school districts to use public money to send their children to private schools.

The governor added that all high school students need increased exposure to technical training on everything from engineering to veterinary science. He said that leads to "stable, good paying" jobs.