The Florida League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, released a yearlong study on Tuesday that evaluated the effectiveness and policies of Florida’s charter schools. The study found that 20 percent of charter schools in the state have closed either due to financial mismanagement or poor academic performance.
“Charter schools could fill a niche in Florida’s educational spectrum, but for many, their biggest contribution may be to corporate bottom lines,” said Deirdre Macnab, President of the League of Women Voters of Florida.
The study also found that:
Approximately one-third of charters are run by for-profit management companies. Many screen students, then drop those who are not successful, which public schools are prohibited from doing. Charters also serve particular socio-economic groups, increasing segregation in schools.
Although charters tend to be smaller than traditional schools, there is no consistent difference in achievement for charter school and public school students.
Many charters blur the distinction between religious and non-secular schools. Some churches receive as much as a million dollars in lease payments annually for their facilities from charter schools.
In areas with declining enrollments, neither the charters nor regular public schools are large enough to adequately provide support for staff like nurses or counselors. Retaining teachers is also a problem; most charters offer lower salaries and benefits than public schools.
Critics have also raised concerns that some legislators have conflicts of interest when it comes to Florida’s Charter Schools. Notable on the local scene is Rep. John Legg (R) – Lutz, who is the co-founder of Dayspring Academy in Port Richey, Fl. You can view other Florida legislators with conflicts of interest here.
Notable local charter schools include Athenian Academy of Pasco County on Seveng Springs Blvd and Dayspring Academy in Port Richey.
By Jon Tietz
