The National Journal produces a series of “expert” blogs with leaders in the education community, including NSBA’s executive director, Anne L. Bryant. The blog solicits opinions on a variety of topics, and its most recent question is definitely a worthwhile read: “Do charter schools deserve the spotlight?“ At least 23 opinions have been posted with varying degrees of support for charter schools, and some fascinating pro-and-con arguments.
BoardBuzz wants to share some thoughts from some 150 experts school board members — who composed, developed, and voted on NSBA’s Beliefs and Policies on charter schools. Without further ado, here is NSBA’s Delegate Assembly take on charter schools:
NSBA recognizes charter schools’ are one of several mechanisms available to local school boards, provided that the local school board:
(a) Retains sole authority to grant the charter and receives full funding for monitoring costs;
(b) Determines accountability, such as determining the criteria that will be used in establishing the charter;
(c) Retains authority to decertify or not renew the charter of any school that fails to meet criteria set forth in the charter or as otherwise specified by the local school board, including but not limited to a requirement that charter schools demonstrate improved student achievement;
(d) Has the authority to ensure that a charter does not foster racial, ethnic, social, religious or economic segregation or segregation of children by disability, ability, sexual orientation or academic performance; and
(e) Determines that funding for the other schools under its jurisdiction will not be adversely affected.
In cases where entities other than the local school district authorize the charter, the law should require that all schools receiving public funds meet the same standards of accountability and that funds for traditional local schools are not diminished or reduced by the funding mechanism for charter schools.
(Article I, 1.10, Charter Schools, Beliefs and Policies of the NSBA, as amended April 3, 2009, San Diego, Calif.)
