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.