Colorado Democrats Continue to Chop Away at School Choice

Charter Schools are Public Schools that are parent controlled. They are usually non-union. They usually use curriculum that works, rather than new experimental curriculum. They abide by all the same rules as public schools. Long waiting lists to get in and high test scores are typical.

Yesterday I said keeping the status quo is the Democrat mantra...I was wrong. They want change. Apparently they don't want any schools in Colorado controlled by Parents (you know...the ones blowing CSAP away with their high scores). Colorado has a blooming charter school system and Sue Windels (D- Arvada) apparently doesn't like it.

Yesterday Sen. Sue Windels and Rep. Mike (Charterers have a special place in hell) Merrifield, vocal opponents of public charter schools, decided to deliver a final blow, but this time broadened their attack. I've written about Merrifield's anti-choice hatred at length.

First, they cut 3.5 million in charter school capital construction out of the School Finance Act.

They also added an amendment to eliminate any Charter School Institute board member, Dept of Education employee, or State Board of Education member from also serving on a charter school governing board.

What this amounts to is we have the General Assembly telling parents they cannot be involved in their own child's education!

Most likely the provision is aimed specifically at Randy DeHoff, Executive Director for the Charter School Institute and also a member of the State Board of Education.

Just a few years ago Jared Polis and Evie Hudak couldn't legally remain on the State Board of Education after redistricting and the Republican-controlled General Assembly passed special legislation to grandfather them in? That's called being decent, apparently Sue Windels and Mike Merrifield cannot show that kind of decency.

Apparently, if it's not possible to just gut the Charter School Institute (SB 61 as introduced) then an alternative strategy is to eliminate anyone with charter school governing board expertise from serving on the CSI board!

If this happens, immediately 4-5 CSI board members will be removed.

Is Gov. Ritter is making deals to get his tax increase approved? I don't know but as a parent with kids succeeding in these schools I do not understand why these Democrats hate parent controlled schools so much. I thought they cared about kids. It appears they care about the teachers union and keeping control of my children more than the quality of their education.

Call your Representative now.

I found NOTHING in the Denver papers this morning on this.

More here