Gathering Places
Gathering Places
One of a lawmaker's rarest moments is to deliver a product that is truly original, inspired and where the potential for public good is limited only by people's imagination. I'm speaking of House Bill 2014 and its companion, Senate Bill 2662, which address New Century Conversion Charter Schools. Charter schools:
Daring choice in dire timesThese bills would expand educational opportunities by authorizing partnerships between the state Department of Education and private, non-profit education providers. The vision is to have fresh thinking and new approaches flourish under the combined resources of the public and private sectors.
If the Legislature and governor wisely approve this legislation, the first example of this partnership would likely involve the support of the prestigious Kamehameha Schools.
Despite its considerable assets, Kamehameha Schools lacks the capacity to accommodate all the children of Hawaiian ancestry that it desires.
Under a public-private partnership, Kamehameha Schools would support a nonprofit that would operate charter schools under contract with the DOE, bringing educational expertise in developing curricula, providing educational and cultural materials, equipment, support for professional development and much needed funds.
Kamehameha Schools is interested in public schools with predominantly Hawaiian student populations and has already set aside $5 million for a five-year project. But even before the first such charter school is established under this new concept, it's important to understand the protections imposed by the Legislature.
>> Such a conversion would take place only after the plan is approved by a majority of votes of the school's administrative and support staff, its teachers and its parents.
>> The schools are to be governed by the nonprofit's board of directors with a community/school advisory panel providing direction. Kamehameha Schools, for example, would hold a minority position on the nonprofit's board, leaving majority control to local educators and community members.
>> The nonprofit must contribute matching funds for school operations at a ratio of $1 per pupil for every $4 per pupil allocated by the DOE. This represents a significant financial commitment as public school operating budgets average several million dollars per year per school.
>> Charter schools established under this provision will remain public schools and preserve all rights and privileges of teachers, administrators and support staff under collective bargaining, including bargaining unit laws.
>> Most importantly, any educational opportunities or services offered by the nonprofit under this provision must be available to all students attending that school.
This arrangement is open to any qualified nonprofit entity that is willing to meet the requirements set forth in the legislation.
For years now, the Legislature has prioritized funding for education in its annual budgets and spared education from the deepest cuts. But the inescapable fact remains that the state will never be in a position to fully fund public education and all its associated needs.
From my standpoint as a legislator and former public schoolteacher, it's frustrating to watch all of our best intentions fall short of meeting the needs of children and teachers.
This new collaborative concept is resourceful, daring and offers students unprecedented educational opportunities.
We have studied and talked the problems to death. It's time for action. We have a good plan and willing partners. Let's not fall short again.
Rep. Ken Ito is chairman of the House Committee on Education.