Vol. 5, No. 44
October 7, 2003

CHARTERS

• PENNSYLVANIA: While Ed Rendell talked about being pro-charter when he ran for Governor, that sentiment apparently hasn't become reality if recent action is any indication. Last week, the Governor of the Keystone State established a 30-member task force to examine the 1997 law and the future of charters in Pennsylvania. But it's loaded with representatives from organizations in the state that actively work against charter school autonomy and financial equity, such as the teachers unions and school board associations. The task force has a token of four appointees from charter schools. With 102 charters in the state and many of them serving students most at risk, the idea of discussing capping future growth seems misplaced. Yet that and funding are two issues likely to come up, and talk is that the task force will seek new ways to impose new requirements and restrictions on charters. Some of this was covered in the press (see http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/6901412.htm) but most of it is being confirmed by inside sources.

• INDIANA: Maybe Rendell should invite as his guest to the first task force meeting the Democratic mayor of Indianapolis, who has championed charters in his city because he predicted they would help raise student achievement. He wasn't disappointed. In the first ever Accountability Report on Mayor-Sponsored Charter Schools that was released last week, students in the three charter schools sponsored by Peterson showed marked improvement in nearly all grades tested in national exams administered twice last year. The report focused on a number of key areas: academic performance, parental and staff feedback, school site visits and an evaluation of financial management and governance. Mayor Bart Peterson released the report saying, "When I granted these charters, I made it clear that I intend to hold charter schools accountable for achieving results for our children." See the full report at: http://www.indygov.org/mayor/charter/accountability_report/.

• MICHIGAN: The bill we've covered here in recent weeks that would allow Detroit to have 15 charter schools is now law, but not because the Governor signed it. Instead, it became law automatically after 14 days when the Governor's foot dragging and pressure by unions resulted in inaction. The bill would have authorized a local philanthropist to contribute $200 million to build charter high schools. But Bob Thompson became the object of the political battle and rather than lead, the Governor simply let the agreement fall apart. "I am disappointed and saddened by the anger and hostility that has greeted our proposal. The proposal was meant to be for kids and not against anyone or any institution," Thompson said after withdrawing his generous offer. The silver lining is that the new law still allows for the creation of 15 new charter high schools and good programs should apply. See more at: http://www.freep.com/news/education/chart3_20031003.htm or call Michigan Association of Public School Academies for the lowdown on the ground at 517-374-9167.

CHOICE

• WASHINGTON, DC: Filibuster! It might not be like the days of Mr. Smith when filibusters meant unlimited dialogue with no break, but Senate Democrats — after blaming their Republican colleagues for wasting their time with a DC education reform bill — actually spent five days filibustering the amendment to the DC Appropriations bill that contained a school choice provision. In floor speech after floor speech, leading opponents of the bill outlined amendments they were planning to introduce that would, supposedly, make the program something they could live with. However, no amendment was ever introduced. Whenever the Senate Republicans called for a vote, the proposal was not agreed to (under Senate rules it only takes one dissenting Senator) and debate continued. When asked personally about setting a timetable for the vote, Richard Durbin, Senator for Illinois, told Senate leaders that they wouldn't see a vote today, or tomorrow or ever. The reason? The Democrats knew they didn't have enough votes to strike the motion for DC school choice from the bill. While the Senate Republicans recognized they had the clear majority of votes to pass the bill, they decided to withdraw the measure and introduce it at a later date. The October recess gives people on both sides of the debate time to voice their opinions when their Senators are home. Follow the latest developments right here.

• SUPREME COURT: The first Monday in October signals the opening day of the U.S. Supreme Court. In education news, the High Court has agreed to hear a case that may help determine, once and for all, whether or not the Blaine Amendment is constitutional. Such amendments, in place in 37 states, actually discriminate against individual choices to use public moneys on religiously affiliated services. The case under consideration, Davey v. Locke, is about a college student who tried to use his state funded "Promise Scholarship" to study pastoral studies (theology) at a Washington state college, but was denied under the grounds of the state's constitution. The Institute for Justice has filed an amicus (friend of court) brief to urge the Court to agree that such arrangements do not constitute state support of religious activities but instead upholds a person's right to pursue the best opportunity for them. CER joined IJ in its brief. Oral arguments have been set for December 2 at 10:00 a.m. Read the brief here. 

• THE BEST IS YET TO COME: Announcing CER's 10th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE, October 30 in Washington, DC. Following CER's Gala dinner (hurry – time is running out!), reformers will consider what lies ahead for the next ten years with an amazing line up of speakers from the front lines and beyond. Click here for more information and to register for either or both events.

• NEXT WEEK: More union leaders get convicted of felonies. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the union has started a misinformation campaign against charter schools, while their own schools continue to be cited for failing to educate. In Florida, the unions are going after Edison schools. Are Edison's recent profitability and school successes a threat?

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