Pennsylvania charter school reform hinges on ‘accountability’
School choice advocates and charter school critics both want stronger laws for greater oversight and accountability in the charter sector. So why is it so difficult to effect any real change in Harrisburg?
It comes down to exactly what accountability means. The varying definitions of that word held by education reformers on all sides of the issue make overhauling Pennsylvania charter school regulations a challenge in perpetuity.
“Accountability is a word that everybody says, ‘Yeah, that sounds good.’ Nobody can really disagree with that in concept,” Bob Fayfich, director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, told Watchdog. “But let’s look at what you mean when you say that.”
Fayfich and other charter supporters have been calling for charter school reform that would expand the number of high-quality authorizers in the state that would have the power to create new charters through a rigorous application process, and also crack down on existing mismanaged schools.
Progressive charter school opponents are also calling for more accountability and tighter oversight. An updated report, “The Tip of the Iceberg: Charter School Vulnerabilities to Waste, Fraud, And Abuse” covers more than $200 million in alleged or confirmed financial fraud, waste and abuse in charter schools.
According to the report, government at all levels has failed to implement systems that proactively monitor charter schools for mismanagement.
“Like other sectors that receive public tax dollars, there are a few bad actors involved that give everyone a bad reputation,” said Tim Eller, director of the Keystone Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “Virtually all of Pennsylvania’s brick-and-mortar charter schools are focused on educating their students and preparing them for post-high school success.”
Last year, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale called for the formation of a charter oversight board, which is consistent with what state education reformers have been asking for. Earlier this year, the School District of Philadelphia turned over jurisdiction of corruption investigations to the city Inspector General rather than handle them in-house.
“Public brick-and-mortar charter schools are subject to the same fiscal checks-and-balances that govern public schools, including audits by the state Auditor General, submission of annual financial reports and third-party audits,” Eller said.
Rep. James Roebuck, D-Philadelphia, chairman of the House Education Committee, said he will soon introduce stronger charter school legislation.
“House Democrats will continue to stand for greater accountability and transparency in these privately run, publicly funded schools,” Roebuck said.“Fortunately, the Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf still have the opportunity to do better, and the governor’s budget proposes serious reforms for charter schools.”
Wolf’s proposals include two controversial measures that allow local districts to seize charter finances and slash online cyber charter spending, which are heavily opposed by school choice advocates, whose idea of accountability is not as intrusive.
“The devil’s in the details,” Fayfich said.
Or it’s in the definition of accountability.Pennsylvania charter school reform hinges on 'accountability' - Watchdog.org:
