CER News Alerts
Charter Schools
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CER News Alert
(Washington, DC August 9, 2000) Charter schools have changed the face of American education but financially they lack parity with traditional public schools. New attention must be given to changing or modifying existing laws to allow for capital and operational financial equity.
The Center for Education Reform (CER) explores these challenges and offers solutions in its latest action paper, "Solving the Charter School Financing Conundrum." "This resource guide for legislators and community leaders should provide direction to those seeking to grow their charter schools," said CER president Jeanne Allen. "Since the first charter law was passed in 1991, charter operators have struggled against tremendous financial odds to create a place where children can succeed and thrive academically. This paper provides advice and models to those who see that the success of charters is necessary for the success of a thriving public school system."
Many states recognize the inequity in funding available to charter school operators and are looking at options to ensure strong and viable charter schools in the future. Some states are amending their charter laws so charters can access state funds to pay for the costly capital and start-up costs. Others have begun to offer grants or have increased per pupil allocations to be more in line with traditional expenditures.
Expanding access to low cost loans, providing government backed loan guarantees, and instilling public confidence in charters so investors will pursue sound ideas are just some of the options that charter schools should enjoy.
Modifying and strengthening existing charter laws will also counter the political peccadillos peculiar to some charter antagonists who might seek to use their political muscle to weaken the existing law. By protecting charter schools from the politics of revocation and arbitrary non-renewals, charter operators can proceed with their work - educating our children.
Read "Solving the Charter School Financing Conundrum" here on the website or receive a hard copy at minimal cost from CER by calling (202) 822-9000. For additional information on charter schools, don't forget that the following publications are also available from CER: Charter Schools Today: Changing the Face of American Education, CER's own National Charter School Directory 2000, and Charter School Laws Across the States 2000. Call CER for information, or order your copy on-line today.
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The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For further information, please call (202) 822-9000.