The attack has drawn little press coverage and no comment from state education authorities. These include the governor, whose education adviser, former Sen. Gary Hart, authored California's charter-school law in 1993. Charter schools are deregulated public schools usually operated by groups of teachers, parents and community organizations. They are growing nationwide, with support from President Clinton. There are more than 170 charter schools operating in California and they are providing good service in minority communities and with at-risk students.
Most charter schools have waiting lists.
Teacher unions and education bureaucrats, however, have regarded charter schools as a threat because they challenge the status quo. Opponents of charter schools have found friendly politicians willing to fire their heavy artillery. San Francisco Democrat Carol Migden tendered AB842, backed by teachers unions, which would have made charter schools the only schools in California subject to mandatory collective bargaining. Charter school supporters rallied in Sacramento to oppose 842, with support from former governor and Oakland mayor Jerry Brown. Gov. Davis said he could not sign the measure, which was amended to maintain the flexibility and independence that allows charter schools to thrive.