Louisiana has joined 15 other states in opposing proposed new public charter school regulations, which critics say would add roadblocks when such schools apply for federal education grants.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry joined Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor and 14 others in opposing the rule changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Education. In an April 18 letter, the attorneys general expressed concern that the plan would reduce the educational opportunities of children by requiring public charter schools to prove over-enrollment in community public schools if they want to expand.
This requirement fails to consider that demand for charter schools might result from poor performance of traditional public schools rather than student growth pressures, according to the letter.
Another proposed requirement for public charter schools seeking federal grants would force a charter school to partner with local school districts in an activity that benefits all students. This could allow underperforming traditional schools to suppress needed competition, according to opponents.
“Charter schools are public schools and must have equitable access to resources afforded to all public schools in our nation,” Caroline Roemer, the executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, told the Louisiana Record in an email. “The current proposed cuts to the charter schools program are playing politics with our children and schools.”
Giving Louisiana parents adequate choices in the education of their children encourages instructional improvements nationwide, according to opponents of the rule change.
“Louisiana charter schools have been giving families educational options, and those closest to classrooms need the resources needed to ensure students' successful outcomes,” Roemer said. “Every child deserves to go to a great, free, public school of their choice.”
Landry also stressed the need to maintain educational options for Louisiana parents.
“The charter school program is intended to provide an alternative to low-performing schools in order to improve education, not merely to supplement offerings by traditional public schools,” he said.
Charter schools receive public funds to operate but are privately run. Typically, they are given more leeway for innovation provided they demonstrate students are performing well, under the charter schools’ methods.