Thursday, April 01, 1999
More charter schools proposed
Taft includes funds in education budget
The Associated Press
AKRON, Ohio — Gov. Bob Taft is proposing to expand the charter school program to students who live outside a qualifying district and to districts having academic troubles.
Mr. Taft released details of the proposal Tuesday in his education budget, which sets aside $3.5 million annually for charter schools.
Mr. Taft's budget is a starting point for lawmakers who have until June 30, when the current fiscal year ends, to finish a two-year spending plan.
The charter school program allows private companies to set up schools and get tax dollars to support them. Currently, the schools have been limited to Ohio's eight urban districts.
Mr. Taft proposes expanding the program to any district in an “academic emergency” status because of poor proficiency test scores, attendance and dropout rates. A charter started under this provision would continue to operate, even if the dis trict's work improves.
Dozens of economically depressed, mid-size cities and poor rural districts could become eligible, the Beacon Journal reported Wednesday. Among those most likely to be included are Elyria, Lorain, Warren, Mansfield, East Cleveland and several rural districts in the Portsmouth area, said the newspaper, citing data from 1995-1998.
Also under Mr. Taft's plan, students who live outside a charter school district's boundaries would be able to enroll, as long as the school approves.
The Ohio School Boards Association opposes the expansion pending results of a study about new charter schools, said Warren Russell, director of legislative services.
Bill Phillis, executive director for a coalition of districts that successfully sued the state about its school funding formula, said an expansion of charter schools would hurt public schools.
“It appears to be just a deliberate attempt to dismantle the public schools,” Mr. Phillis said. “The edge will be given to vouchers, charter schools and alternatives.”
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