Letters to the Editor, Chicago Tribune
Anti-charter proposals
This is in response to “Charter envy; As N.Y. boosts school choice for students and parents, Illinois ponders a ‘death knell'” (Editorial, April 7). I regret to inform the Tribune Editorial Board that its painstaking admission wasn’t necessary because, with respect to charter schools, there’s not a lot in the state budget agreement of which to be envious.
Contrary to media reports and notes of congratulations directed at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York’s budget is not “charter-friendly.” Instead, the budget looks out for a select few charters in New York City, as other charter schools across the state remain subject to a continued spending freeze and funding inequity.
New York’s charter school law, however, should cause envy as Illinois’ charter school law pales in comparison. The absence of multiple, independent charter authorizers that have a proven track record of producing quality is a major impediment to a thriving Illinois charter sector, which relies a great deal on local control.
The onslaught of anti-charter-school proposals under consideration in Springfield is troubling and should be cause for concern among parents currently seeking out better educational options for their children. Lawmakers should be focused on enacting lasting and structural changes so charters and the students they serve are protected from unfavorable budgets and rogue legislation.
— Kara Kerwin, president, Center for Education Reform, Washington