Our legislators will soon be voting on whether charter schools will be approved in Washington. I hope each member will consider the following:
1. Why would lawmakers make decisions now that will cost the state more money? They are forced to make immediate decisions to reduce the budget by $2.6 billion. The $2.3 million needed for charter schools in the 2003-2005 biennium will mean even more money will be cut from our current budget.
2. Do our state lawmakers want to cause additional stress on our current public school system while demanding students achieve higher standards? If the charter school bill passes, public school districts will lose much-needed revenue, will be held accountable to follow regulations that the charter schools will not need to follow and will be forced to “hold jobs” for current teachers who decide to take a leave of absence to teach in charter schools. Do lawmakers want school districts to have to grant leaves to employees, forcing districts to have more difficulty recruiting quality teachers to fill those spots on a year-by-year basis?
3. Do our lawmakers believe the public will allow appointed boards to control public funds? Those boards will receive public dollars and will make decisions about staff salaries, the purchase of property and the quality of the facility in which children will be educated. Who will be responsible to the public about the proper use of the public’s money? Who will own the property should the school fail?
I believe the lawmakers who voted for this bill many not have fully understood it. I hope the remainder of our elected officials will, prior to voting, become more knowledgeable about the bill rather than being persuaded by a few folks with special interests from other states. This is not the time to make a decision that will increase costs to our state while reducing revenues for our public schools.
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
