Eyes on the charters

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To the Editor:

Want to thank Bill Chenevert for his piece, “To charter or not to charter,” Jan. 29.

Bill lays out quite clearly the charter school debate: only a few charters are doing well, it’s all about the money, the schools and those who own them are politically connected, there is little oversight of these schools and I would add one more problem. With public money, we are creating separate but equal schools along racial lines. Think about it; the children go to their “local” charter school. Before the city approves any new charters, these issues need to be addressed.

My recollection is that charter schools were first started by private industry. Say Google was willing to flip for the bucks to start a computer school or Johnny Dougherty wanted to start an electricians high school rather than funding political campaigns with millions of dollars. When did it change that these schools were funded with public money to be “super public schools”? I don’t think they’re living up to the hype.

It doesn’t seem that there is any oversight of the public’s money. I read an article yesterday on philly.com that the founder of a charter “allegedly” stole $6.3 million dollars from her charter. How? This happens more often than not.

Even if the money is not being stolen, the owners of these schools are making a bundle. I read several years ago that the fellow who owns “the” charter school in Chester, makes a salary (I’m sure he has a generous contract). He owns the property on which the school is located, so the school pays rent (what are rentals going for in Chester, multiple that by 20) from him. Finally, since he owns the school, he gets to keep the profits. (is this a conflict of interest?)

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. No more charter schools until we have greater oversight.

Stanley Ianieri
South Philadelphia
 

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