An archaic definition of “common schools” posed an existential threat to charter schools in Washington State. The Legislature crafted a bipartisan fix to keep them in operation.
Late this week, Gov. Jay Inslee let the measure become law without his signature.
For many charter-school parents, Inslee’s announcement came as a relief after months of rallies, letters and phone calls.
“It’s been such a difficult climate, because this is an issue that I think has become polarizing,” said Shirline Wilson, whose son attends Rainier Prep in the Highline School District south of Seattle. “I’m just thrilled that our fight is over.”
Melissa Pailthorp, the mother of a ninth-grade student at Summit Sierra in Seattle’s International District, said the lobbying efforts were worth it.
“All of us had to ask ourselves, ‘Does this make sense for our kids?’ ” Pailthorp said. “Our kids have learned a lot from this. They have all said they feel strongly about staying in their school. Why would we deny them that? We knew we were gambling, but that it would be well worth it.”
In addition to changing charter schools’ funding source, the legislation expands the membership of the state commission responsible for deciding which charter schools can open. That commission now will include the chair of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction (or others they may designate) to provide more oversight from elected officials.
Washington thus avoided becoming the first state to outlaw charters.
Meanwhile…
Charter schools: The hot new celebrity accessory? Sean “Diddy” Combs announced plans for a charter in Harlem. Of course there’s a Florida connection. Danita Jones, an Orlando educator we highlighted here, will be principal.
It’s been a long time coming, but private school choice finally got a bipartisan “BOOST” in Maryland.
And (modest) tax credit scholarships are coming to South Dakota. Different groups track this differently, but by our count there will soon be 24 states with some form of private school choice available statewide.
A Montana judge ruled students should be allowed to use tax credit scholarships at private religious schools.
New York’s new state budget may benefit charter schools and community schools at the same time.
Lawmakers traded proposals to lift the charter cap in Massachusetts.
The GOP bashed Bill Clinton, alleging inconsistency on charter schools.
A report showed Miami-Dade and its charter schools are beating the odds (something we’ve explored in the past). But the report and its methodology faced criticism on several fronts.
This top charter school isn’t quite so “no-excuses.” Neither is this one.
School choice and “The Voice.”
Innovation and the Catholic school renaissance.
Public school parents support private school vouchers in Louisiana.
Two ed reform advocacy heavyweights are set to merge.
The overwhelming whiteness of U.S. private schools.
Desegregation and deeper racial ills.
Expanded public school choice in Florida would have implications for athletics.
More black families explore home schooling (a trend we examined here).
Quote of the Week
It shouldn’t take a lottery to get in a school that’s doing great things
– Award-winning Seattle principal Mia Williams, on education reform legislation Gov. Inslee did agree to sign.
Tweets of the Week
.@kevinpchavous: 50 yrs after Gov. Wallace was forced to allow desegregation, many of the same schools are failing. https://t.co/TK43dk4izQ
— The 74 (@The74) March 31, 2016
It's official! Today we welcome a strong new #charterschool law, result of hard work of students, families, advocates and #waleg champions
— WA Charters (@WA_Charters) April 3, 2016
This week in school choice is our weekly compendium of news, notes and happenings from around the country. It appears early Monday mornings on our blog, but you can subscribe here to get it on Sunday.
