NH Center for School Reform Newsletter Update #19

Hats off to the Union Leader’s editorial on Franklin’s charter school situation. Nationwide, opponents of charter schools know the best way to prevent choice schools that might accomplish more with less is choking off funds and/or forcing these strapped schools into court. But why have more than one public school, anyway?

In 2001, Franklin High had a 50.2% cumulative dropout rate (DOE statistical data)! And hard-earned 2001 tax dollars were supporting $5600/year for each student. Business leaders came forward with a nationally-recognized school model for at-risk students. Providence, Rhode Island's, Superintendent praised her city's charter high school as an asset. Research on student cost of dropping out is $30-200K in lifetime earnings. Research on taxpayer costs for dropped-out students--$75,000-$100,000 each in more tax-funded state services.

Sunday's Monitor suggests that basics are options. The state has a duty to provide adequate education funds to every public student. No option here. Federal and state laws require special education funding to eligible students. No option there. Franklin is apparently refusing 100% of these students' state and federal general and special funds. There's no provision for disparate treatment of certain students. There is a provision for local districts to borrow if passing through the adequacy ed funding is a hardship in any one year.

Then and now, the mission of Franklin Career Academy makes sense--strong academics, individualized programs, and 90%+ success rate for at-risk students. No reason at all to apologize for supporting a career academy in Franklin. There's good reason to adjust the funding scheme for state-authorized schools, because spending $6,000-$10,000 per student year after year after year with large percentages of students dropping out makes little sense. In the end, the kids are the losers when they don't finish a quality high school program.

Learn more from our Franklin Charter News Test. What's your opinion? Stay current with statewide charter school news from our web site….

Our new US Secretary of Education has just released a "new path" advisory on No Child Left Behind and says, “… it is the results that truly matter, not the bureaucratic way that you get there. That's just common sense, sometimes lost in the halls of the government." A latest NCLB advisory keeps the focus on raising student achievement and increasing choice and charter schools. To understand what a public charter school is, click here for the basics.

The House of Representatives is still reviewing state education funding formulae and HB 297. Legislators see that a few provisions of HB 297 are needed to guarantee all students their state funding and make charter school law more functional. Provisions needed: 1) direct pay to charter schools, and 2) streamlined charter school procedures for local community review. A subcommittee of the House Education Committee will take up HB 297—tell us if you want to be on the notice list for date and time.

ILLINOIS: Law Firm to Establish Charter School
In August of 2005 the law firm of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP will open Legacy Charter School, The firm will manage financial planning, oversight, and human resources and will contribute one million dollars. Their reason?--giving back to the community by investing in its future through education. The entire firm is contributing time and talent to make the charter school venture a success. Business Wire (January 27, 2005). See also: Sonnenschein News (January 27, 2005).

With a shortage of new scientists and no specialty high school for science in New Hampshire, two chemistry teachers are advancing the New Hampshire Academy of Science which will offer the highest science standards and requirements in NH. In some countries and states, these high schools are based right inside science and engineering industries. Read our advisory. Give us your feedback. Contact the founders with your ideas.

The Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities program was federally refunded at $37 million, the same amount as FY2005 appropriations. Since 2001, nine separate groups received grants under this program to leverage funds and help charter schools through loan guarantees and insurance on leases and bonds, reducing risk to landlords and bondholders and increasing borrowing capability of these new schools. See our book on facility requirements and codes for public schools.