Voters in Washington must decide whether they want charter schools – again.
For the third time in eight years, the issue of charter schools is on the ballot Nov. 2. Legislators approved charter schools in March and Gov. Gary Locke signed the measure into law. However, opponents gathered enough signatures to put Referendum 55 on the ballot.
Voters rejected charter schools in 1996 and 2000, but supporters say this time around, the measure differs because R-55 is on a smaller scale, limiting the number of new charter schools to 45 over six years, said Lily Eng, spokeswoman for the Approve R-55 campaign. Eng said Washington needs more possibilities for students who are not performing well in public schools.
Opponents in the Reject R-55 campaign disagree.
They believe the Legislature should fully fund voter-approved initiatives passed in 2000 to decrease class sizes and increase teacher compensation, before passing bills that go “behind the backs” of voters, said Jennifer Lindenauer, staff member for the opposition campaign.
Lindenauer said districts already provide alternative schools and choice programs that serve as alternatives to regular public schools, so charter schools are unnecessary.
“There’s nothing charter schools offer that (public schools) don’t,” Lindenauer said.
Eng said the 30 percent drop-out rate for Washington schools is an indication that there are not enough options for students.
“We need to do much better,” Eng said. “Public schools are doing a good job, but for many students, it’s not working at all.”
Schools receive around $5,500 per full-time equivalent student from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. That money would follow students to charter schools if they transfer, Eng said.
“All the money stays within the public school system,” Eng said. “The money actually goes to the kid.”
Opponents said the money lost by public schools when children transfer could affect the rest of the budget process.
“Our schools still have to have a library, pay electric bills … and it really could hurt all of our kids,” Lindenauer said.
Charter schools must hire certified teachers, participate in standardized tests and assessments and be subject to legal, fiscal and performance audits, according to the House bill. The requirements provide accountability, Eng said.
“It’s basically under the same accountability and would be allowed more freedom,” Eng said.
Lindenauer said opponents believe the difference in accountability is that public schools must report to voter-elected officials, whereas charter schools are run by local non-profit organizations.
“It’s like taxation without representation,” Lindenauer said.
In March, the measure passed 51-46 in the House and 27-22 in the Senate. Supporters said the bill was a bipartisan effort, but all Democratic representatives from The Enterprise circulation area (Rep. Jeanne Edwards, D-Bothell, was excused from the vote) voted against the bill. Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Bothell, voted for the measure.
Nationally, 40 states already permit charter schools.
R-55 has been endorsed by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and other individuals and organizations.
Opponents include the Washington Education Association and the League of Women Voters of Washington.
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