One of the more difficult battles we face in Maine in legislating charter schools is what is perceived as a negative financial impact, and drawing monies away from an already strapped public school system. The Maine Superintendent's Association, Maine Principals Association, and the Maine Educational Association are active opposition to this movement for this reason. Legislators are swayed by the funding argument, in that it is tangible and on paper - however, supporters argue that charter schools will have a long term impact on at-risk students, in that the state won't be financing other, more expensive programs in the future, like rehabilitation, youth incarceration, etc. Because money is a very "present" commodity, attracting political supporters is weakening. I would also like to know how other states have worked around this perception of charter schools as being a financial burden on the public school system, and then convincing legistators.
Posted as a reply to:
Influencing Policy by Bob Montgomery 
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