Charter Schools Still Raise Doubts Lawmakers Say Issues Resolved As Bill Heads For House Debate

A bill that would allow charter schools in Idaho should satisfy most education groups that had initial concerns, lawmakers on a joint education panel said Monday.

“We’ve worked with everyone and tried to accommodate their concerns,” Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, said.

The Idaho Education Association and Gov. Phil Batt support the measure.

However, several groups such as the Idaho School Board Association and the Idaho Association of School Administrators aren’t taking a stance yet.

Alan Smith, executive director of the school board association, said he wants to examine the final draft. Because local school boards would manage charter schools, Smith is curious whether the boards could give up their authority to other groups such as the school districts.

“We want to be as definitive as possible so everyone knows their role,” he said.

Vikki Reynolds, an administrative assistant for the Idaho Association of School Administrators, said she is worried that the creation of charter schools will take money away from other public schools.

The Idaho PTA echoes that concern, although it supports the charter school concept.

“Everyone says it won’t take any funds away, but I don’t see how it wouldn’t,” Reynolds said.

She said she wants lawmakers to hold off on a decision for another year so the state Board of Education can implement innovative educational practices similar to those that charter schools are supposed to produce. “If it’s good enough for a charter school, why can’t we all do it?” she asked.

Within the next several weeks, House members are expected to debate the measure allowing local school boards to grant charters.

, DataTimes