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.
National Charter Schools Conference (New Orleans, June 22-25)
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools will host the 2008 National Charter Schools Conference from June 22-25 in New Orleans, LA. "Still We Rise: Achieving Academic Excellence at Scale" is the conference theme, reflecting the growth of quality public charter schools across America. The theme has special resonance in New Orleans, which boasts the nation's largest percentage of public charter school enrollment. Register for the conference or apply to sponsor/exhibit at http://www.nationalcharterconference.org. The conference is the largest gathering of charter school operators and proponents in the nation. Geoffrey Canada, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Harlem Children's Zone, will offer the keynote speech. Attendees will learn and share best practices, discuss national and state policy issues, have the opportunity to volunteer at local charter schools, and enjoy special events featuring New Orleans traditions, food and music! Questions? Call 206-463-3344 or e-mail nationalconference@publiccharters.org.
Source: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, (03/01/2008)
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New Hampshire Charter Schools Collaborate to Push for More Financial Support
A bill to provide adequate financial support to New Hampshire public charter schools, including school building aid and $7,000 per student likely will be voted on by the House Education Committee this week. The newly formed New Hampshire Public Charter School Association is working with legislators from both legislative houses to provide permanent, sustainable funding for charters. "That's our major focus, because it's kind of a make-or-break situation now, and we need a change in the funding law in order for charter schools to continue," said Bill Wilmot, head of the Seacoast Charter School. In addition to securing more resources for charters, the association seeks to provide a structure for charter schools to share best practices with each other and traditional public schools.
Source: Portsmouth Herald, (02/04/2008)
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Georgia House Approves Creation of Charter School Panel
On January 31, the Georgia House of Representatives voted 119-48 to pass legislation authorizing the creation of the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. Under the bill, which now moves to the Senate for consideration, a charter school applicant could apply directly to the Commission to gain approval. The local school system would provide funding equal to the number of students who enroll in the charter campus. State Rep. Ed Setzler said the commission was needed because local boards reject most applications. "If you operate the only fast-food restaurant in town, would you be the appropriate authority to approve the Burger King that wants to move in across the street?" Setzler asked. Seventy-one charter schools currently operate in the state. If the bill was approved, it is expected that the state's charter school program would expand rapidly.
Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution, (02/03/2008)
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Bronx Charter School Seeks to Blend Education and Social Services
Mott Haven Academy Charter School in the Bronx plans to blends it education program with city social services in one facility. One wing will be for teachers to teach, and another for case-workers to provide tutoring and lessons in personal responsibility. School founders are seeking to revolutionize the way the government tackles poverty. "Kids come in hungry, kids come in with dirty uniforms on, kids come in late and sleepy - those kinds of issues can eat up your day," said Mott Haven's founding principal, Jessica Nauiokas, a former teacher and assistant principal. With caseworkers just down the hall, teachers would be freed to focus solely on academics. Every time a child misses school, a caseworker, the person who has already been working with their family, will be alerted. Rather than interacting only during infrequent home visits, caseworkers can also meet with parents and students at school at convenient times for families. "There's no reason why caseworkers can't be congregating in the entryway and making informal contact with people - 'Hey heard you had a job interview. Hope it went well,'" said Nauiokas.
Source: New York Sun, (02/02/2008)
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Schwarzenegger Wants to Increase the Number of Charters with an Engineering Theme in California
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to raise the number of charter schools with an engineering theme as part of his plan to increase the supply of engineers educated in the state. Specifically, he wants to increase the number of schools allowed under the San Diego-based High Tech High program, which now operates four high schools, two middle schools, and one elementary school. That program is approved for a maximum of 10 schools.
Source: Education Week (subscription required), (01/31/2008)
Also See
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D.C. Public Charter School Board Takes Action Under Increased Responsibilities
Last summer, the D.C. Public Charter School Board assumed oversight of 18 additional charter schools formerly handled by the D.C. Board of Education. The seven-member appointed board now oversees all of the city's charters -- 56 schools on 82 campuses with more than 20,000 students. It has begun the revocation process for two charters and placed two other charter schools on notice.
Source: Washington Post (free registration required), (01/30/2008)
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Popularity of Charter Schools Increasing in Albuquerque
Charter schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico are booming in popularity and parents will likely see long waiting lists this spring. Ron Romero, charter schools coordinator for Albuquerque Public Schools, said he's getting a lot of calls lately. "More people are looking for schools who fit their children," he said. "I think the public is getting more savvy about schools and what they have to offer." Principal Bonnie Dodge of the Montessori school said, "We've never recruited. Our program speaks for itself. It's really word of mouth." The latest count, on January 22, showed 6,507 students enrolled in Albuquerque's charter schools.
Source: The Albuquerque Tribune, (01/28/2008)
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