Public/Private Partnerships of Charter Schools

Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, March 9, 2012
By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Good morning, Jim. H.B. 797 passed the House Wednesday. So, now we know how state charter schools would be created, regulated, funded and controlled in Georgia. An appointed State Charter Schools Commission will grant state charters, especially for new start-up schools, while locally elected school boards will continue chartering schools in their respective districts.

There are two other categories of charter schools. A conversion charter school is a public school already in existence, but applies for and receives a charter. A start-up charter school is a new public school that may be created by an organization, business or individual. State charter schools will have more latitude than locally chartered schools and will not be limited to a specific enrollment area. They may choose one of three attendance zones and enroll students from one local school system or from a combination of local school systems or from a state-wide enrollment zone. H.B. 797 does not specify whether state-wide enrollment applies only to virtual schools that are available only online or to schools built in communities.

H.B. 797 moves k – 12 schools into another situation, altogether. It allows nonprofit organizations to charter schools with only two restrictions. Their governing board members must be United States citizens and residents of Georgia. Otherwise, the chartering process is wide open, meaning the Commission could be charged with discrimination if they deny charters to unsavory individuals who want to educate children.

This is also troubling. Charter schools may receive donations of any kind from any public or private entity, IF the money goes to the State Board of Education first, then to the Charter School Commission, then to the school. The phrase, “donations of any kind from any public or private entity,” is much too broad. It prohibits Charter Schools Commission members from refusing money from unacceptable sources and money always comes with strings attached.

Authorizing non-profit organizations to charter and govern charter schools in Georgia throws public education into a public-private partnership (PPP), meaning government and the private sector jointly provide public services and facilities. That could be the final blow to local control.

H.B. 797 passed the House Wednesday 115 to 49 and went to the Senate where it needs several amendments. However, it won’t be implemented unless a majority of voters pass H.R. 1162 in the November Election. For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.