State education groups are voicing opposition to Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to boost charter schools.

Virginia's school boards, superintendents and teacher groups say the measure is unconstitutional because it takes away local school divisions' decision-making power.

They also say it's wrong to potentially divert public funds to create new schools during Virginia's massive budget shortfalls.

Virginia School Boards Association President Jeff Bain said Thursday that his group doesn't oppose charter schools, but using state money to start them would cause public schools to further cut programs and services.

The VSBA and the Virginia Education Association also say McDonnell's effort to give the state Board of Education more say in the approval process promotes a political agenda over sound educational policy.

McDonnell has denied his proposal is unconstitutional.

©2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.