Rethinking Charter Schools!

           Last week I posted my support for charter schools because my resource article made them sound great. However, I learned the hard way to research several sources before making a personal decision. This past monday I attended a local school board meeting and their opinion of backing charter schools was quite different than what I expressed, but I undestand why.
          At the school board meeting, the superintendent presented informaton about Bob Riley's desire for the state to back charter schools. Yet, the superintendent did not share this same idea. Although I am sure there are several pros to charter schools, he did not mention he. He simply presented all the flaws he saw in this support. For starters, he was concerned that charter schools could sue the local school board members even though they are not the board for that particular school. This definatley raised alarm with the other board members. The budget had already revealed a major lose for them over the past couple if years, they could not imagine risking more. Next, he presented the fact that any student could attend even if they werent inside the school district. Along with the fact that the teachers would not recieve tenure. The concern arose that they public schools would lose not only students but many of the teachers. Then, another concern  arose about money. The superintendent explained to the board and others present that if any accomadations where requested for a child with special needs then the local school board would be responsible for providing the money to fund these needs. Obviously, this was a concern because these children would not be part of the public school yet they would be taking money away from the students in the public school. Finally, a cocern was expressed about extracurricular activities. It was understood that students from the charter schools would be allowed to particpate in the extracurricular activites at the public school if they wished. That would mean the public school could not use any school time to practice or meet when a charter member could not attend. I could see why each of these topics would be a concern for the public school members.
          According to all the concerns I heard at this school board meeting, I feel as though charter schools might just be harmful to the public schools.Who would want to become a public school board member knowing they are liable for students for whom they do not make decisions for? Not only are public school boards liable for charter schools but they would cost public schools so much more money. I still believe there are some pros to charter schools however I have learned there are many cons as well. I am not saying I am completely against the backing of charter schools. However, I believe that our government should rethink all the factors that are involved in charter schools. I fully support the attempt to obtain money for our state school system, but it should be something fair to all.

Backing Charter Schools

The state school board has decided to allow charter schools in Alabama. This addition to our school systems could help the state's application for $200 million in federal funds. Charter schools receive taxpayers' money, but are not bound by as many state regulations as traditional public schools. In this regard charter schools can seem to be more flexible and creative. These new schools must still uphold state academic standards, attend the same amount of school days and follow all laws against discrimination. However, often they operate without requirements that students live in certain neighborhoods. Also, they are not held to the state's teacher tenure law. According to TimesDaiy.com State board member Mary Jane Caylor of Huntsville said she originally opposed charters for Alabama. She said her opinion dated back to days when she was still superintendent of Huntsville schools.Caylor also stated she had decided against offering amendments some people asked her to introduce. "The amendments would have given all control over charter schools' governance to local school systems", she said "'I didn't believe we needed to put strings on charters.The real work on the bill will be done in the Legislature. The bottom line is this is an opportunity. I'm going to give them a chance for something new.'" The 200 million dollards in funds that the state could recieve with the acceptance of charter schools could help lower employee cuts and help expand already successful innovative programs for students. "This is just a prelude to the way grants are going to come down from Washington and for us to just back up and say 'We don't even want to participate' just has never made any sense," states Riley (timesdaily.com).

 I personally believe that it is an excellent idea to back these charter schools. As a prospective teacher, it is hard for me to imagine putting in all the time, effort, and money to advance my education only to find out there are no jobs available for me. I am glad to see the state working to save the jobs for current and future teachers. Budgets in every school are tight, programs are being cut, and students are not recieving the same inspiration they once were from educators. States put so much pressure on the regulations that they take away from the creativness which was once in the classroom. Teachers are so time crunched they can't allow students to fully express themselves the way they use to. I love the idea that charter schools are not bound by so many regulations while still upholding the academic standards as all other schools in the state. In addition, these charter schools allow more funding for other schools in the state. Why turn down an opportunity to keep our school systems alive? It is sad to see that schools are being put on the back burner. If the amount of money continues to decline so do teachers, staff, music, art, and many other programs that inspire students to be the best they can be. Children are our future and deserve every opporunity to be educated. I fully support the decision to back charter schools because it is allowing the chance for schools to give children the best education they can. Without a proper education for the young, the future would never stand a chance.

Resources :
Ellington, M.J. "Board Backs Charter Schools." TimesDaily.com. 01/15/2010. http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20100115/ARTICLES/1155034. Web. 20 Jan 2010.  
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