AFP-Colorado Commends Senate Education Committee for Protecting Charter Schools

Feb 21, 2018 by AFP

Denver, Co. – Americans for Prosperity-Colorado (AFP-CO) released a statement commending the Senate Education Committee for voting down SB 118. The bill would have drastically reduced a charter school’s due process by removing the second appeal for denial of a charter application or the revocation or nonrenewal of an existing charter.

“The Senate Education committee acted on behalf of the over 100,000 kids who are thriving in charter schools,” said AFP-CO State Director Jesse Mallory. “This bill would have titled the scales in favor of local school boards who might abuse their power and not allow charters to compete with their district schools – a perverse incentive the state does not have. Legislators should focus on policies that expand education freedom and empower more families to be able to choose the education that meets their child’s unique needs, talents, and learning styles.

Background

Around the country, too many students are trapped in schools that don’t meet their unique needs because of where they live or their family background. Students in schools located in more affluent areas succeed, while students from lower-income areas get left behind.

Charter schools can help close this gap for Colorado students.

More students than ever are attending charter schools. Over 100,000 kids, nearly 13 percent of public school students, attend charter schools in our state.
There are 238 charter schools around the state, from rural communities to cities. Almost 70 percent of residents say they approve of charter schools.
Charter schools are giving kids a brighter future. A report from the state Department of Education found that charter school students generally outperform students in non-charter schools in academic performance measures.