Recent guest columnist Darlene Chambers’ article about charter schools omitted some key information that has been instrumental in the developing scrutiny of the billion dollar per year charter school industry in Ohio.
Charter schools are not subject to at least 150 laws that our public schools must observe. Some of the most significant are those involving conflict of interest. The owner of one of the largest virtual schools operating in Ohio also owns the curriculum company and the staffing company that the school utilizes for these services. It is very doubtful that any competitive bids were solicited for these services.
Boards that oversee the charter schools are appointed, not elected as are public school board members. There are also no residency requirements for charter board members. Would an out of state board member at a for profit organization truly have the best interests of Ohio’s students at heart?
Much of the funding going to charter schools is to for profit, private companies. It is difficult to obtain full financial disclosure from these companies. The claim is that once they receive our tax dollars that it becomes “private money” and they do not have to disclose how their private funds are utilized. Over $950M of our tax dollars was transferred to charter schools last fiscal year, shouldn’t we be able to find out how this was spent?
There are students that are not properly served by a traditional public school system. These students and our public school students deserve the best possible education to prepare them for their future. As taxpayers we should be demanding this of our legislators as they are bound by their oath of office to uphold the Ohio constitution, which requires that the General Assembly provide for "a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state" (Article 6, section 2). We should also demand that all schools be subject to all of the same standards of financial transparency, ethics and accountability. — ANDREW WILSON, FAIRBORN
Questions about Bergdahl
We are very puzzled regarding this issue of the release then charges against Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl before freeing five known terrorist for his freedom. First of all, did the United States thoroughly investigate Bergdahl’s activities over a 5-year period? We think not. How did it take so long to bring desertion charges when we are told he did this several times as substantiated by fellow soldiers? Is one questionable soldier for five known terrorists a good deal for America?
In addition, the present administration should acknowledge their embarrassing error in making such a public display of false patriotism — inviting his parents, whom do not even talk to their son, to a very public meeting with the president at the White House.
We love America and all the wonderful experiences we have enjoyed for over 83 years here, and to think of our government recognizing a known Army deserter… How many have died serving their country with no recognition? — ROBERT "HUTCH" O'CONNOR, CENTERVILLE
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