PEACH STATE SUCCESS. Today, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed the billauthorizing the establishment of a more independent charter authorizer, the GeorgiaCharter Schools Commission. His signature has long been awaited. The education establishment worked overtime in the last few weeks trying to convince the Governor that a signature would be unconstitutional, despite the reality. But today all the doubts are erased. With the stroke of his pen, Governor Perdue answered Georgians' plea for better educational opportunities in a state where many conventional public schools are failing and even losing accredit ation. Earlier this year, CER revealed overwhelming support among Georgians (more than 72 percent) to create an independent authorizer. This support remains strong across demographics and party lines. Our hats off to the bill's champion, Representative Jan Jones (R-Alpharetta), and the good work of theGeorgia Charter Schools Association to push forward, despite pressure to protect mediocrity and maintain the status quo.
From the Center for Education Reform, May 13, 2008 Newswire.
May 8, 2008
Did You Know ... Charter Schools Are Inequitably Funded?
Washington, D.C., (5/8/08) - Charters schools are no less public because they are started and managed separately from traditional school districts. The ways and amounts at which charters are funded compared to their district counterparts differ dramatically in an individual state and even in individual communities within a state! Nationwide, on average, charter schools get 61 cents to every district school dollar. Such inequitable treatment of schools sends a message to families that their choices are not equal!
But most people - and even lawmakers - simply do not know the facts! To foster greater awareness and, hopefully, resolution of these inequities, The Center for Education Reform introduces "Following the Money," a new online state-by-state database on school funding. "Following the Money" gives parents, policymakers, and the media an interactive resource for understanding charter school funding streams and inequities in each state's law.
This week is National Charter Schools Week. Get connected today! Visit The Center for Education Reform at www.edreform.com.
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The Center for Education Reform drives the creation of better educational opportunities for all children by leading parents, policymakers and the media in boldly advocating for school choice, advancing the charter school movement, and challenging the education establishment. The Center for Education Reform changes laws, minds and cultures to allow good schools to flourish.
The Center for Education Reform (tel) 800-520-2118 ? 301-986-8088 ? (fax) 301-986-1826
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? www.edreform.com
MITCH may have new home in Tigard
Jennifer Clampet, The Times
TIGARD – MITCH Charter School may have found a new temporary home at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Tigard.
The school is working with the city of Tigard for approval to operate at the church’s facility. If approved, the school reportedly will enter into a one-year lease with the church with the possibility of an extended lease if all goes well.
“We’re just thrilled to have MITCH of all schools come to Calvin,” said congregation member and MITCH parent Kay Smith.
CITY GIRLS GO COUNTRY: Elementary school teachers Dee Groethe of Lake Oswego and Cathi Young of Tigard share a laugh over their unadulterated enthusiasm at being students during the Summer Ag Institute for teachers.
Mitch school, district near a deal for temporary space this fall, rooms the charter school has been renting will be filled with students awaiting a new building