Legislature is one hurting education

By Dave Moss
Published: Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006 9:59 p.m. MDT
E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
In his column (Aug. 7), John Florez accused the State Board of Education of failing to listen to "many who tried to make their voices heard, calling for change." He indicated that "the state school board . . . blamed the next level of government" for perceived shortcomings. In addition, Mr. Florez attempted to make a correlation between FEMA's tepid response to the Katrina disaster and the Utah State Board of Education and what he perceives as its lack of understanding of what economically disadvantaged people have to go through on a daily basis while looking for adequate educational opportunities for their children.

There are currently 52 charter schools in this state. Most, approved for operation over the last 2 1/2 years, will be responsible for the education of approximately 20 percent of the students in Utah. This is impressive as charter school legislation has only been on the books since 1998. Charter schools are public schools that, by law, may not make any economic, academic or other distinctions when enrolling students. By law, children with disabilities in charter schools are given every opportunity that children with similar challenges are given in traditional public schools, and appropriate accommodations are provided.

Story continues below
Charter schools, though not loved or understood by many, are a direct response to those who "tried to make their voices heard, calling for change."

Unfortunately, the Legislature has stepped in and severely restricted the number of charter applications that can be approved until they "study" the situation closer. This is a direct contradiction of their stand prior to the last legislative session when certain legislators made it clear that any attempt to restrict the number of applications reviewed or approved could effect the support and ultimately the funding of these schools.

The Utah State Board of Education works hard to address the educational quality and needs of all of the children in this state. Unfortunately, all of their good work is contingent upon adequate funding, which, of course, is controlled by the Legislature. I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Florez's assessment that we do, in fact, have a crisis in education. However, it would seem that we should lay the blame for this crisis where it properly belongs. Until we can elect a Legislature that truly understands the importance of public education in this state for all children, as does the State Board of Education, and is willing to make the proper investment without being punitive or self-serving in their approach, things will probably not get any better. In fact, they will probably get much worse.

Dave Moss is a former member and chairman of the Utah State Charter School Board.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.