Although teachers’ unions generally oppose public charter schools, they actually share some common beliefs with charter school fans, according to the head of the National Association for Charter School Authorizers.
“We agree that public charter schools should serve all students, offer a high-quality education, and be held accountable when they misuse public funding,” Greg Richmond, president and CEO of the NACSA, writes in an op-ed for Education Post. “We also agree that charter schools that fail their students and communities should not stay open.”
Richmond explains that most of the 1,050 officials who authorize charter schools across the country are locally-elected officials, serving in school districts or on school boards. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are tuition-free and must be open to all students (a lottery occurs when they run out of space).
“Not only do charter supporters agree with union leadership on charter accountability, but we also are on the same page for implementing solutions for improving struggling schools, student-centered education and wraparound services,” Richmond says. He mentioned that charter schools that misuse funds must be prosecuted. “All public schools have the obligation to ensure every dollar benefits students.”
Some charter schools have unionized staff. The United Federation of Teachers actually runs its own charter school in New York City.
Most charters aren’t unionized, however, which is a major reason unions generally oppose them. More charter schools means fewer unionized teachers, which means less money paid out in union dues and less union control over the educational process.
“We agree more often than we disagree,” Richmond concludes. “We must start working together to ensure that all public schools are serving our schoolchildren well.”
Jason Russell is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
