By Lisa Macfarlane, DFER WA State Director
(Originally posted in Ballard News-Tribune)
One size does not fit all. As great as many of our schools are, we have far too many children dropping out of school and having doors of opportunity closed on them. An unconscionable number of students–14,000 — drop out of our public schools every year, and it is frankly a moral and economic imperative that we do more to help struggling students succeed. Sure, our public school system works well for many, but far too many students are being left behind, unprepared for college or their future careers.
As a parent and education advocate, I’ve worked very hard over the years to strengthen our public schools here in Seattle and around the state. More is possible. That’s why I have changed my mind on charter schools, and that’s why I am voting yes on Initiative 1240.
I-1240 will allow up to 40 public charter schools in Washington over the next five years, with priority going to schools serving at-risk students. A YES vote on 1240 means more public school options for parents and students here in Washington.
Charter schools are an important educational option available through the public school systems in 41 other states, and every year, these schools are helping more and more at-risk students succeed.
It is important for voters to know that charter schools are public schools. They’re free and open to all students, just like other public schools, and they receive funding based on student enrollment, just like traditional public schools.
Just as in traditional public schools, teachers in public charters schools are held to the same certification standards and students must meet the same academic standards.
And, Initiative 1240 requires that public charter schools operate with strict oversight and accountability, including annual performance reviews. Charter schools are independently managed by approved non-profit organizations, and will be overseen by either a local school board or a newly created charter school commission.