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Charter School Funding
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  As federal start-up grants for local charter schools dwindle, many are looking to the state to keep them afloat. But given the current budget shortfall, there’s still debate over whether to throw them a life vest. This week could be make-or-break for several charter schools in the Granite State. We’ll look at where new funds could come from and discuss possible solutions to the charter school crisis. Guests
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Thanks for an interesting program . . some important questions are being asked.
As a parent and an educator I certainly agree there is a need for alternative methods of teaching/learning.
What I do not agree with is diverting funds from the local school districts to support an entirely separate facility.
How would that differ from simply starting a private school?
A charter school is not a public school unless it is able and ready to accept all students.
Why not take the herculean efforts of the parents and teachers involved in charter schools and direct that energy toward innovative programs for "at risk" students within the public schools? This would eliminate the infrastructure costs (facility, utilities, staff, etc. . ) that are currently contributing to the funding crisis of charter schools.
And - - IF it turns out the state can step in to support these charter schools, why can't the state instead simply provide more funds to school districts, to help develop alternative programs for students at risk of dropping out?
Could someone please provide an estimate of the budget for an existing charter school?
Thank you
You wrote, "A charter school is not a public school unless it is able and ready to accept all students."
I would like to let you know that charter schools are public schools, authorized by the New Hampshire Department of Education and charter schools are required to accept all students. In addition, charter schools have a higher level of accountability than traditional public schools.
You also wrote, "Why not take the herculean efforts of the parents and teachers involved in charter schools and direct that energy toward innovative programs for "at risk" students within the public schools?" Well, not all students who attend charter schools are "at risk" students. Some charter schools focus primarily on students who are at risk, but not all charter schools have this focus. In the public school in my town there is not a process in place within the district that allows parents and teachers to be engaged in innovative programs and change. Charter schools in New Hampshire provide a much needed option.
The charter school phenomenon is a symptom of a greater problem. The failure of both state and federal government to run the socialized/public school institutions properly is the real problem.
> NOT properly funding schools is the problem
> NOT paying teacher’s competitive wages is the problem
> NOT holding parents accountable for their children is the problem
> Letting the administrators push teachers to teach “the test” is the problem
> NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND IS THE PROBLEM!
> WE need to REMEDY our poor public education system and stop our good students from running away from public education which is FAR from adequate.
Zeke Jakub – Charlestown NH
Amen.
I agree with Zeke Jakub in that charter schools is a symptom of a greater problem as well as his top-level statement "The failure of both state and federal government to run the socialized/public school institutions properly is the real problem." But of his following statements the only valid one is "NOT holding parents accountable for their children is the problem". And that is a similar to one of the main problems of the "progressive" "liberal" teachings of our society which is that personal responsibiblity no longer exists. All failings are to to be blamed on someone else, be it an individual or an organization (to include government).
One strength of NH has been local funding of schools. The cost of an education varies with the community. There are costs that remain relatively constant such as books, whiteboards, desks, chairs, etc. What varies is the largest cost of any organization, personnel. And a large factor there is the cost of living in the area. It should cost less to educate a child in Berlin as compared to Derry.
Clairmont won their lawsuit and received millions in school funding. Their quality of eduation by all measures went down. Money is not the answer.
Additionally, many parents who home-school or seek alternatives to public education are looking for a better education for their children where a child's ability is rewarded and children are not forced to learn at the pace of the slowest child in there class/school. Parent's don't want the bar lowered for their child so that more can pass. Rather, raise the bar and let those who succeed move on and keep those who do not behind. Then help them move ahead. But remember that in the end it is the student and their parents who are responsible for their education. There is truth to the statement that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.
If a community wants to pay more for education let them. But don't take my money to help another town. My taxes are already high enough. If you don't like the quality of education in your town/city then get involved there and help. Don't demand money from the rest of the state to throw money at a problem. We are not your personal bank. You always have the option of moving to another town/city/state to place your children in better public schools.
Alan - Derry, NH