Re: “Are charter proponents hijacking legislative panel?,” Sept. 13 guest commentary.
The Interim Committee on School Finance was convened in order to revise and modernize the way we fund public education. Our focus is beyond the current economy and we are planning for a future that serves all of our students.
A recent guest column suggested that Coloradans should fear the committee may be “hijacked by charter proponents,” and offered several assertions and statistics that have no basis in fact.
Despite assertions to the contrary, Colorado has a relatively positive relationship with charter schools. While we have had our disagreements, in the 15 years since the Charter Schools Act was passed, we have become cordial neighbors, if not friends, in most political and education circles.
We have done a lot of work to improve how districts and charter schools work with each other. Have battle lines been drawn from time to time? Yes, but ultimately, charters are one of many choice options for students and their families. It is choice that Colorado students and parents want.
Why choice? One size does not fit all. There are big schools and small schools. Sometimes your neighborhood school is a poor fit for your child. Where possible, you can “choice” in to another school or another district. This is not available to all our students across the state, but as choice options increase, so does demand. School districts are responsive where possible in either providing district options or working with charter schools to broaden offerings.
There are great district schools, magnet schools and charter schools. There are also some schools that need a push, a kick, or a significant change. If your child is happy, well-adjusted and learning, the external ratings won’t matter as much as your experience. This point is missed by critics of charter schools, but not lost on parents or their children.
In the end, the Interim Committee process is made up of educators, policymakers and community members who have children as our highest priority. Fortunately, we do not have battle lines drawn between “proponents” or “opponents” as we move through this process.
We are challenging ourselves and others to think outside the box. To suggest there is a battle over charter schools is not only false, it is simply old news. We are transcending this tired argument and working hard to make things better for our children and yours.
State Rep. Karen Middleton and state Sen. Chris Romer are chair and vice chair of the Interim Committee on School Finance.
