Honor citizens’ will on schools

The Washington state’s Supreme Court ruling on public charter schools is extremely disappointing to the students, teachers and communities these schools are designed to serve. Some 1,200 of Washington’s children are relying on these schools to keep their doors open. The fact that the state’s nine charter schools were at maximum capacity indicates the great demand for options among parents.

One-size-fits-all learning environments are counterproductive to meeting diverse student learning needs. Likewise, as educators we recognize the possibilities for advancement and positive growth in the profession through choice. Public charter schools promise opportunity for students and teachers alike.

Washington’s nonunion professional association, Northwest Professional Educators, has been both a vocal supporter of public charter schools and teacher choice for years because they provide an opportunity for educators to teach free from stifling union contracts and bureaucracy.

The governor and Legislature need to honor the will of citizens, recognize the need for schools of choice, and solve this problem at once. All students deserve education options that put their needs first, not the self-interest of entrenched stakeholders concerned with maintaining their power and the status quo.

Cindy Omlin, executive director

Northwest Professional Educators

Alexandria, Virginia