Charter Schools May Help W.Va.
By The Intelligencer
POSTED: March 30, 2009
West Virginia's public school system has been recognized several times for a spirit of innovation that has served students well. But one type of change, establishing non-profit charter schools, has been blocked by the state's two teachers unions.
The West Virginia Education Association and the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers seem to have prevented passage of a charter schools bill this year - but the issue is not dead.
Six state senators joined to introduce a bill that would, if enacted, permit establishment of charter schools. West Virginia is one of just a few states that do not permit them.
One of the bill's sponsors, state Sen. Erik Wells, D-Kanawha County, last week accused the unions of failing to support progress for students. Instead, Wells said, the unions are more interested in salary increases for their members. WVEA and AFT officials denied that.
But the fact remains that the unions - perhaps the most powerful special interest groups lobbying legislators - do not favor charter schools. Their officials say permitting charter schools would divert funds needed in the public school system.
Charter schools also can provide competition that undoubtedly would spur improvement in some public school systems. That has happened in some places, and it has served students well.
Wells is not alone in believing that West Virginia should at least experiment with charter schools. The bill allowing them has six sponsors, including senators from Kanawha, Cabell and Monongalia counties. It is a comprehensive measure that would allow non-profit charter schools, including those established by public school systems.
Simply throwing the door open to charter schools - and allowing them to receive taxpayers' money - is not a good idea. Ohio's experience demonstrates that.
Charter schools do have a place in the mix of education resources, however. With proper oversight, they can be an important contributor in ensuring that every West Virginia child receives an excellent education.
While the unions managed to block the charter school bill for this year, state senators have agreed to a formal study of the idea. At least that is progress.
A year from now, legislators should revisit the issue, regardless of whether the unions oppose such action.