How do charter schools affect education in Pennsylvania?
York may become one of the few cities in America to privatize an entire school district.
Facing a $20 million budget deficit from 2014, York City School District failed to implement a recovery plan designed by chief recovery officer David Meckley. The state Department of Education then pursued receivership, which would transfer almost all functions of a school board to one person: Meckley.
Meckley plans to send York City School District's 7,500 students to a single for-profit operator, Charter Schools USA.
In response to this news, Pennsylvania State Education Association President Michael Crossey said, "York's citizens don't want this, the elected school board doesn't want this, and parents and educators don't want this."
Per York County President Judge Stephen P. Linebaugh's decision to allow York City School District to appeal the receivership, the school board is still in control. Gov. Tom Wolf, who has authority over the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is already looking into the situation.
State Rep. Kevin Schreiber, D-York City said, "All-charter is not the right option, but we have to come to a resolution to strengthen and reform the district."
What is your perspective? Is going all-charter the way to reform a financially unstable school district? Does it trade one set of problems for another? What does this mean for public education in central Pennsylvania?
We want to hear about your experiences with charter schools. Starting Thursday, Jan. 29, PennLive will run a series of stories the decade-long, multi-million dollar campaign by for-profit schools to to alter laws and education in Pennsylvania.
Cast your vote in our poll, defend your position in the comments and let us know how charter schools in Pennsylvania affect you.
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THE RISE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS IN PA
