Charter Schools Fight For Equal Funding, Though Critics See Evidence Of Abuse

[The Straight Story]

Charter Schools Fight For Equal Funding, Though Critics See Evidence Of Abuse
By Andrew J. Hawkins



For all their points of contention, charter school advocates and critics agree that the complex funding formula that bankrolls the schools is fundamentally flawed.

Advocates say the current funding formula, based on the amount a school district spends per pupil the previous year, discriminates against charter school students, especially after the state last year froze aid for charters at 2008 levels. Meanwhile, opponents are preparing for a series of hearings on charter schools that will likely precipitate a push to alter the law that dictates how they are funded.

Senate Education Committee Chair Suzi Oppenheimer said that after budget negotiations are over, she would like to examine the way charter schools receive state aid, as part of her ongoing quest to reduce property taxes.

More distressing to advocates: State Sen. Bill Perkins, an outspoken critic of charters, is planning a hearing of his Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee on the growth of the charter school industry.

Perkins promises that his hearing will open a treasure trove of information about shady deals and questionable business practices at charter schools across the state.

“We’ve been interested in following the money,” Perkins said, “and finding out how much profit there may be in nonprofit. They’re basically using privatized solutions to public education.”

http://www.cityhallnews.com/newyork/article-1206-charter-schools-fight-for-equal-funding-though-critics-see-evidence-of-abuse.html

[radical noodle]

1. It's about time

This should be done on a nationwide basis (following the money).

[Dinger]

2. It's Simple Really, If Charters Want Public Money, Then The Standards AND Accountability

have to be the same, along with testing requirements. In many states (Wisconsin is one of them), charters and voucher schools are not required to take standardized tests, and IF they do, they are not required to report the results. Besides standards and accountability, the requirements for teachers need to be the same as well. Teachers are not glorified babysitters, they are professionals.

[goclark]

3. Finally ~ follow the money

I've visited/observed Charter Schools many times.

I'm certainly not talking about the A rated ones in fancy areas.

I'm talking about those that are in urban areas....

I am NOT impressed.

Just a few starters.....

They do not have to meet the same Standards as Public Schools academically or for basic school building requirements

example ~ one was using the parking lot as their "playground."
I could not believe that the children were going between parked cars to get the Ball the class was playing with ---

They have the ability to send children back to Public Schools if they are not doing well.

Many times Parents are in control of the office - thus able to check the files and gossip.

After numerous visits to a variety of schools- many of the teachers are brand new/ no problem except there are no extra special long time Master Teachers available to them.

The Principal is rarely on site, thus the Head Teacher(may have been teaching for 3 years) is in charge.

I could go on and on but I will stop there for now.

PS/ One little thing they Don't Have -- Teacher's Unions

Bingo! They have broken the back of the Union and that is a major goal for them.

I once supervised a brand new teacher in a Charter -- she was a wonderful young lady and smart.

Something happened to her at school that was not fair -- no response because the Principal was not there that week to listen to her her and when the Principal finally listened -- nothing changed. End of that story.