This is an important collection of data about the funding of public schools and charter schools in Texas. Do you think that taxpayers know that they are funding two separate school systems, one governed by elected, accountable school boards and the other governed by private, self-selected, unaccountable school boards? Do you think that the public knows that district public schools outperform charter schools?
Diane Ravitch's blog 
In answer to the question- “Does the public know”about Gates’ failure? The answer is “no”. However, because of the diligence of many people and the leadership of Diane Ravitch, they are learning. The most sinister element of the selling of privatization is that it is under the guise of “philanthropy”, while it robs America of a common good and inflicts harm on the children of those who have built the nation and grown its GDP.
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The recent book “Winners Take All” explains that modern philanthropy undermines democracy by “giving” to take control. Soon these philanthropists will buy what used to be public and we will do as they command. The ironic thing is that Bill Gates blurbed the book.
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more suggestion that he simply cannot see his own complicity in the damage being done?
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Willfully blind.
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Q Do you think that taxpayers know that they are funding two separate school systems, one governed by elected, accountable school boards and the other governed by private, self-selected, unaccountable school boards? ENDQ
Yes, I believe that anyone who wishes to know these facts, can do a simple internet search, and learn the facts. The amount spent by the Texas legislature, is broadcast out, for all the world to see. see this article from the Fort Worth newspaper
https://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/other-voices/article156200454.html
The families which have chosen to opt-out of the public school systems, have (generally) done adequate research into the alternate school, and have made the conscious decision to place their child(ren) into the alternate school.
My wife works in real estate. When a school is excellent (be it public or not), the word “gets around”, and homes in the vicinity of the excellent schools have high demand (and the high prices which accompany the demand).
Q Do you think that the public knows that district public schools outperform charter schools? END Q
Yes again. The test data (and other metrics) are available for all the world to see. There are some public schools, which consistently produce results, which are outstanding in every way. Other institutions rank public and non-public schools. Also, the findings are published, and available on the internet.
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And that’s why 85%-90% of families choose public schools even when charters and vouchers are available
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I agree. And this is the best advertising, that publicly-operated schools can get. The data suggests that people/families/children tend to select excellent schools when excellence is available. That is why so few families here in Fairfax, are delighted with the public school system.
Things are not so rosy, downstate. There are severe problems with the public school system in Richmond (the state capital), and surrounding Henrico county.
Virginia currently has only eight (8) functioning charter schools in the entire state. Setting up a charter school in Virginia is very difficult, and almost impossible.
It is easy to claim that a high percentage of families “choose” public schools, when there are no other choices available.
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It is easy to claim and also accurate
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Lots of communities understand the value their public schools provide. They also understand that most comprehensive public schools offer far more options to students than most charter or voucher schools. They know that quality public schools enhance property values, and they serve as the anchor of the community. They have a voice in the school’s operation. They do not want to see their public schools “strip mined” by corporate interests.
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I flubbed a comment in the last post! I meant to say “so MANY families in Fairfax are delighted with the public schools system.” The school system here is terrific, and if vouchers/choice were to be available, there would be almost no demand for them, and the office would close!
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Every state needs to have a report analagous to this one by William J. Gumbert.
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Agree…agree…the public needs to know the money facts involving charters…so many people do not realize that this dual education system takes taxpayers dollars without accountability…it is taxation without representation.
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This report analyzes the long term financial impact of charter expansion. States must ask themselves if the diversion of funds to charters is worth undermining public schools to do so. They should also understand that public schools are much more efficient and cost effective than charters. The public schools provide opportunities for all while charters provide service to those selected. Charters are also unaccountable to the public. It is impossible to fund two systems of education for the same dollar. Charters literally rob Peter to pay Paul. Communities either have to cut services to public schools or raise taxes to fund both systems. It makes little sense for Texas to expand charters. Property taxes in the major cities are already very high, and residential properties are bearing the largest tax burden. It would make more sense to roll existing charters into public systems. While some charters deliver adequate academics, there is no way to show that these same students would not also do well in the public schools. Investing in public schools makes much more fiscal sense while sending tax dollars to private companies is reckless and may will cause economic destabilization if charter expansion continues. As this post points out, there are many public systems in Texas doing excellent work, but they are rarely mentioned in the media.
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States and communities don’t raise taxes to pay for charters. They impose budget cuts on public schools to pay for charters
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Diane,
Thank you for your CLEAR STATEMENT about WHO pays for Charters.
I have said this many times … Charters are Jim Crow.
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My grandson attends a good, diverse “failing” school in Texas. I am concerned that his school could easily become a target of privatization. The school is running scared. They are sending home packets of Common Core homework nightly. Each packet takes over an hour and a half to complete. It is a pity to put the schools and students under so much stress over a stupid test. I have talked to my daughter about Opt Out, but she is afraid the school will retain him if he refuses to take the standardized test.
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Great report. Thank you, Diane.
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