In this fine essay, Jan Resseger reviews Carol Burris’s article on the five reasons why charter schools cannot be effectively reformed or regulated.

The problems are a feature, not a bug.

Charter schools make their own rules about discipline. They are free from public oversight of their budget. Those considered most “successful” choose their own students. Many states ignore conflicts of interest and nepotism.

When public money is handed out without public scrutiny, abuse of that money is inevitable.