What if a vampire suddenly lost its fangs?
Would it still be a vampire?
That’s the question at the heart of a major change in the largest charter school network in western Pennsylvania.
This week, staff at the Propel network of charter schools voted overwhelmingly to unionize.
So the money men behind the Allegheny County system of charter schools are probably wondering if they’re still investing in charter schools at all.
After all, when encumbered by the need to collectively bargain with employees, can a charter still do all its usual profitizing tricks?
Thursday, Propel teachers and other staff voted 236-82 to join the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).
The drive took 9 months to achieve. Propel enrolls about 4,000 students at 13 schools in Braddock Hills, Hazelwood, Homestead, McKeesport, Pitcairn, Turtle Creek, Munhall, McKees Rocks and the North Side.
Though PSEA represents staff at about a dozen charters throughout the state, CONTINUE READING: Can Unions Defang Charter School Vampires? | gadflyonthewallblog