On average, the funding gap between charter schools and traditional schools is 22 percent, or $1,800 per pupil. The average charter school ends up with a total funding shortfall of nearly half a million dollars.
Source: Charter School Funding: Inequity’s Next Frontier
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Note: Please be aware that online publishers often change URLs or no longer provide access to articles after 7 days. If any of the below links no longer work, access the publishing newspaper and search the archives for the keywords in the subject matter. Good luck.
Number of Charter Schools to Double in New York
New York legislators passed an estimated $120.9 billion budget Sunday morning. The budget doubles the maximum number of public charter schools, to 200, including up to 50 new schools in New York City. A year-long freeze on approvals, however, means the next wave of new charter schools may not open until September 2008. The new legislation requires the Education Department to hold hearings before placing a charter within an existing public school. The bill also bows to union demands by requiring a provision that automatically unionizes the employees of any charter school serving more than 250 students in its first two years.
Source: New York Times (free registration required), (04/02/2007)
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Controversial Oregon Charter Bill to be Discussed This Week
Oregon's Senate Education and General Government Committee will hold a work session this week on Senate Bill 621 which seeks to require state licenses for all charter school administrators and teachers, make the sponsoring school district the employer instead of the charter school, and automatically include staff in the district's unions. The teacher union-supported bill would end the practice of open enrollment for charter schools, demanding that 80 percent of pupils come from the sponsoring school district and capping the total number of students from the district at 10 percent. Charter supporters argue that the proposed changes would hinder school choice. There are currently about 70 charter schools operating in the state.
Source: Mail Tribune, (04/01/2007)
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Colorado House Education Chairman Steps Down Over Anti-Charter Email
Colorado State Representative Mike Merrifield stepped down as chairman of the House Education Committee last week after formally apologizing for an e-mail claiming there is a "a special place in hell" for charter school supporters. Merrifield's decision to step aside came a day after a political blog, Face the State, touched off a firestorm when it posted an e-mail written by Merrifield to Sen. Sue Windels. Merrifield said that he had not intended his words to cause offense, but his public stance against charter schools is widely known. "My record on charter schools, privatization and vouchers is clear and consistent," he said. Rep. Terrance Carroll and other lawmakers said the e-mail shows that Windels and Merrifield have "conspired to gut charter schools." Carroll, however, said that he accepted Merrifield's personal apology. "What was a secret apparently is that he believes those of us who support charter schools all belong in hell."
Source: Rocky Mountain News, (03/30/2007)
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L.A. Board Rejects Green Dot's Plan to Expand
Last week, a split Los Angeles Board of Education rejected Green Dot Public Schools' application for eight new charter schools. That vote enraged Green Dot founder Steve Barr, the largest charter operator in Los Angeles who has won strong support from the community and wealthy philanthropists such as Eli Broad. Barr said the action essentially ended months of talks between him, Supt. David Brewer and the board president. "There is nothing to collaborate on. Now we're outsiders," Barr said. "We've spent hours and days and nights trying to collaborate. I really have a hard time finding any reason to continue talking with this district." The move went against the advice of the district's lawyer and almost certainly violates state law. State law is clear that a school board can reject charters only if they fail to meet one of several criteria. Green Dot, officials said, met all the criteria.
Source: LA Times (free registration required), (03/30/2007)
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Detroit Mayor Seeks Increase in Charter Schools
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is seeking the establishment of 50 new charter schools in the city. He says his call for new charters is a response to the demands of parents and potential new residents. "... We have to acknowledge that there are real educational gaps in the city of Detroit ... and the public school system doesn't have the money, operating or capital budget, to fill those gaps all on their own," Kilpatrick said. Grand Valley State University already is working to open several new charters in Detroit, and Wayne County Community College will be able to charter an unlimited number of schools in the city if the school system's enrollment drops below 100,000 students. DPS enrollment currently is about 119,000 students, down from 180,000 a decade ago.
Source: Detroit Free Press, (03/28/2007)
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Four Individuals to be Inducted into the Charter School Hall of Fame During National Charter Schools Conference
In addition to the more than 120 breakout sessions, as well as keynotes, networking opportunities, and table talk sessions, the Alliance has established the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame for this year's National Charter Schools Conference (April 24-27 in Albuquerque, NM). Come celebrate the accomplishments of four individuals who have made a lasting impact on the charter school movement. These inaugural inductees will be recognized for their contributions in the following areas: pioneering efforts in the development/growth of charter schools; commitment and contributions to charter schools and education; innovative ideas and successful implementation of those ideas; and inspiration to others in the charter school movement. Visit the conference web site for the program agenda, lodging, and travel information.
Source: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, (03/26/2007)
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Last Chance to Share Your Feedback on Our Newsletters! Survey Concludes April 4
In order to continue producing the News Connection and the Monthly Resource Update we need your help determining just how valuable they are. Since 2004, UScharterschools.org has been hosting a weekly summary of charter school news and monthly resource updates for the national charter school community. For the past two years, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has lent its generous financial support and the number of our subscribers has now grown to more than 12,000! We need your feedback to continue this service and to make it better. Please enter your email address upon completion of the survey (voluntary!) to enter a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com! The subscriber survey will conclude on Wednesday, April 4, so please share your feedback today!
Source: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, (03/25/2007)
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