Groundbreaking Report by the National Center for Charter School Accountability Released Today

An important item from the folks at the NPE for readers of this space – with several references to online charter schools.

Support for charter schools has dropped dramatically, from nearly 7 in 10 Americans in 2013 to 46% today. Part II of the National Center for Charter School Accountability’s Charter School Reckoning report explains why. Part II Decline compiles some of the most striking examples of mismanagement and self-dealing, along with abrupt closures, inflated leases, related-party transactions, and authorizers collecting substantial fees while providing inadequate oversight. These are not isolated cases; they reveal vulnerabilities in state laws and charter governance structures that require serious attention. This report highlights the systemic issues caused by charter laws shaped by the charter lobby, and proposes legislative reforms to restore accountability and protect families and public funds. Please read and share the full report here. A Religious Charter School Proposed–Again! A new bid for an online religious charter school is emerging in Oklahoma. The National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter Foundation—founded by former Congressman Peter Deutsch, who has openly framed his Florida charter schools as publicly funded alternatives to Jewish day schools—is preparing to apply for a taxpayer-financed religious online charter high school. Even more consequential is the for-profit power behind Ben Gamla: Academica, the nation’s largest for-profit charter management corporation. From shared offices and leadership signatures on early tax forms to millions in payments for management, staffing, and real-estate deals, Ben Gamla has operated as one of Academica’s many “brands.” You can read more about this attempt here on Diane’s Blog. Are you looking for the perfect holiday present?   There is nothing better to do on a cold winter night than curl up with a good book. And there is no better book to read if you are a public school advocate than Diane Ravitch’s memoir, An Education: How I Changed MY Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else. Gift yourself. Gift a friend. Gift a testing/charter lover and change their mind! You can purchase this important memoir here. Click on the image above to make your much appreciated holiday donation. Or, send a check to The Network for Public Education PO Box 227 NYC, NY 10156. Our primary funding source is public school friends like you! Thank you for all you do, Carol Burris Network for Public Education Executive Director