The question for Maine policymakers is whether state and local funds are or are not earmarked to educate children? If they're for educating children, then it makes perfect sense that districts losing students to charter schools should lose students' tuition payments as well.
Districts in New York have been using the same argument since the inception of our law. Thankfully, our association has done a pretty good job of connecting education funding to students. Allowing districts to spend the tuition of students transferring to charter schools have been unconvincing.
I also believe that Maine is a victim of the current insistence on selling charter schools as a solution for "at risk" students. It may be difficult for many in a state with a small town and rural complexion to see the need for charters. I'm not sure that Maine's effort will be successful pursuing strategies more appropriate for big urban states.
Posted as a reply to:
In Maine...One of the last states by Cheryl Saliwanchik-Brown
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