Modest start for CHARTER SCHOOL SCANDALS expected
The first charter schools in Washington probably will be kitchen-table charters, started by a teacher or principal or two. Many of the nation's best-known charter chains are already committed elsewhere or want to wait and see how the first charters fare.
Seattle Times education reporter
The first charter schools in Washington probably won't be run by the nation's best-known charter groups with years of experience and strong reputations.
During the successful campaign for Initiative 1240, which will allow as many as 40 charters to open here over five years, supporters talked about wanting Washington students to have a chance to attend the kind of schools operated by the nation's top charter operators.
But the highest profile chains are in such demand that most won't be looking to expand here anytime soon — if at all.
Instead, assuming the new law survives a legal challenge, Washington likely will start out with kitchen-table charters, cooked up by a teacher or principal or two with a passion to try something new.
The first charters also probably will not open until fall 2014, a year later than supporters initially hoped.
Some national charter-school experts say the wait-and-see stance of many big charter groups is no
Charter-school timeline
Nov. 8-9, 2012 The State Board of Education began discussing how school boards can gain approval to open charter schools within their district's borders.
Late February/March 2013 Public hearing on the rules for how school boards can become charter authorizers.
By March 6 The nine members of a new charter-school commission must be appointed. The commission, along with any approved school districts, will review applications from prospective charter-school operators, decide which can open schools here, then monitor the performance of those schools.
By March 6: The State Board of Education must finalize rules for how school boards can apply to become charter-school authorizers.
Yet to be determined: The timeline for charter-school application and approval. The state Board of Education is responsible for setting that schedule, which the new state commission and any approved school boards must follow.
Earliest the first charter schools could open: Fall 2013
More likely opening time: Fall 2014
