Charter schools have introduced innovative curriculums, instructional methods and management practices and enjoy an exceptionally high level of parent support and community involvement. The obstacles are numerous, but most schools appear to be overcoming them with a combination of hard work, grit and determination. This is the only real reform effort within the public school system that I am aware of. These schools do not receive or ask for more money but are given the ability to make smarter uses of their funds. I have witnessed a dramatic change in thinking at each charter school once the money is seen as theirs to spend wisely.
Most charters have carry-over balances, some upward of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Charter schools are serving student, parent and community needs by providing excellent educational options. It behooves all of us to get involved with existing charters, lobby to have the cap of 100 lifted, and support innovation and change within the public school system on charter school campuses. She is the director of the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable for Education.