Chalkbeat reports that charter schools in Denver collected $16 million from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, intended to help small businesses.
Across the country, charters are collecting federal money intended to save small businesses faced with economic collapse. Public schools are not eligible to get money from this program. Charter schools also receive state and local funding earmarked for public schools.
Aren’t they lucky to be both small businesses and public schools!
Denver charters knew this looked bad, so they suggested they might share future funding with the public schools.
Charter school critics nationally have balked at charters receiving federal Paycheck Protection Program funding, which is not available to traditional public schools.
But Denver charter leaders have committed to reckoning with any inequity created by the funding — a move the memo identifies as unique to Denver. Leaders said that could mean charters taking less than their share of other federal coronavirus relief funds earmarked for Denver schools, leaving more money for district-run schools.
Many charters have been unwilling to acknowledge that they have applied and received PPP money. In Denver, the charters released their federal funding at the request of a board member, Scott Baldermann.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
For years I have questioned the ethics and morales of many, many charter school founders and boards of directors. I served on the state commission and local school board that authorized many of these so-called not-for-profit charter schools. Many we tried not to authorize because it was clear what the founders’ intentions were — to make money off the taxpayer’ backs but the laws were written in favor of the founders. Now they are opening steeling from those that need the money with the help of DeVos and Trump.
“But Denver charter leaders have committed to reckoning with any inequity created by the funding — a move the memo identifies as unique to Denver. Leaders said that could mean charters taking less than their share of other federal coronavirus relief funds earmarked for Denver schools, leaving more money for district-run schools.”
Maybe instead they could petition federal lawmakers to getting around to doing something for public schools.
It’s July. Schools in my district open in August.
I recognize public schools are the very lowest priority in DC, but perhaps one or two of the public employees could put a couple of hours into assisting the schools that serve 90% of children? Once charters and private schools are taken care of, I mean. With whatever is left over and whenever they get around to it. No rush. Obviously.
Since the Trump Administration doesn’t serve public schools or public school students, perhaps a couple of ed reformers could carry a petition for Covid support on our behalf.
That’s the only way anyone from a public school will ever get any work out of them.
“Secretary Betsy DeVos
Today’s landmark SCOTUS decision in #Espinoza v. Montana is a huge victory for students and parents across America. Religious discrimination is dead. All states need to seize this extraordinary opportunity to expand all education options at all schools to every single student.”
Another day where we’re paying these federal employees to promote the private schools they prefer.
Tomorrow is July 1st. Still nothing for the public schools that serve 90% of Americans.
I wonder if someone could call them and tell them every public school in the country closed due to a pandemic. All I’ve seen is an endless round of criticism for our schools.
Not sure the public is paying them to act as professional, full time critics of public schools. At this point it’s really hard to justify their existence.
SICKening.