One-third of state's authorizers are getting out of charter school business
by Tom Weber, Minnesota Public Radio
St. Paul, Minn. — Dozens of charter schools in Minnesota are looking for new homes. Not physical homes, but homes with an 'authorizer.'
Having an authorizer, or sponsor, had been an almost mundane requirement for charter schools -- until this year, when the state started implementing a new law designed to make authorizers more accountable.
Since the law took effect, several authorizers have decided to get out of the charter business.
Authorizers don't run charter schools, but by law, charter schools have always needed an authorizer to open. Prompted in part by reports of fiscal mismanagement by some charter school administrators, the new law makes authorizers more accountable for the financial and academic performance of their schools.
Advocates widely praised the changes when passed, but many say they've since