Will the recent openings of the charter schools be a detriment to the local community and its traditional schools?

The entire funding comes out of the local budget with no additional money from the state. Either taxes go up, or programs in traditional schools are cut and class sizes increase.

The rules and regulations are different for charter schools.

Since there is no teachers’ union, the schools have less cost in benefits and can have a longer school day.

A class size of less than 16 is mandated, but teacher certification is not required for three years. Volunteers can teach certain skills. Many specialists, programs, testing and hot lunch are not mandated. These freedoms give charter schools more flexibility.

The academic quality is unproven, yet there is encouragement from the governor to legislate for permitting more charter schools. This means less money from the local budgets for the traditional schools, with a resulting deterioration of our public school system.

Is the governor trying to break the traditional school system? Is that really what the public wants?

Carol Rasmussen

Smithfield

Copy the Story Link

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.