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RALEIGH—The debate over Senate Bill 8, which ends North Carolina's limit of 100 charter schools, continues.

One side says it will create new opportunities for students while the other says it will deprive public schools. The bill passed the Senate and is in the House. In addition to lifting the cap on charter schools, it would also create a commission to approve and revoke charters.

However, the issue is creating controversy from some public school officials.

"We are completely opposed to this bill as we believe that this bill provides funding to charter school students at the expense of students educated at traditional public schools," said Carrie Sutton, Cumberland County School Board chair.

Opponents also criticize the bill for not mandating charter schools to provide services such as food or transportation, which they claim will limit access and diversity. Furthermore, Democrat Rick Glazier said the new funding formula would give them a piece of local funds, for services they don't provide.

'It would siphon off substantial sums of money, indeed tens of millions of dollars, from traditional public schools by mandating money from early childhood education to go to charter schools who don't have early childhood education," said Glazier.

But supporters say charter schools need the funds.

“The courts have unanimously supported charter schools in saying they are rightfully entitled to local funding," said Darrell Allison, president of Parents for Educational Freedom.

Allison said he believes the bill will be modified as it moves through the house. He said ultimately its not about pitting traditional schools against charters, but determining how both can thrive. Glazier believes Democrats will introduce an alternative charter schools bill on Monday that would lift the cap but would maintain State Board of Education control over that process.

Glazier said the alternative bill would not allow charter schools to get funds for programs they do not offer.