Charter Schools
Examining the impact of charter expansion on public education funding, accountability, and community schools.
The Charter Reality
Charter schools were originally conceived as laboratories of innovation that would share successful practices with traditional public schools. Instead, they have evolved into a parallel system that drains resources from public education while often operating with less transparency and accountability.
When students leave for charter schools, public schools lose funding but cannot proportionally reduce their fixed costs. This creates a death spiral where budget cuts lead to program reductions, driving more families to leave.
- •Districts lose per-pupil funding while maintaining building costs
- •Special education and transportation costs remain with districts
- •Administrative overhead cannot be reduced proportionally
Accountability Gaps
Despite receiving public funds, many charter schools operate with far less oversight than traditional public schools. This lack of accountability has led to numerous scandals involving financial mismanagement, discrimination, and failure to serve all students.
Many charters use subtle mechanisms to discourage enrollment of students with disabilities, English learners, and students requiring additional support.
High attrition rates at some charters suggest that struggling students are counseled out, returning to public schools mid-year.
Our Position
Working Educators believes in strengthening neighborhood public schools rather than diverting resources to privately managed alternatives. We advocate for accountability measures that ensure all publicly funded schools serve all students equitably.
Equal accountability: Charter schools should meet the same transparency and reporting requirements as public schools.
Open enrollment: Charters must serve all students, including those with disabilities and English learners.
Financial transparency: Public funds require public oversight and financial disclosure.
Community impact assessment: New charters should demonstrate they won't harm existing public schools.