In a relationship that is similar to how charter schools are run, Educational Maintenance Organizations sign contracts to receive money from the school district for operating a school. EAI's success in the early 1990s has diminished of late. Because of continued problems, the city of Baltimore cancelled its contract with EAI in 1997, as did Hartford, Connecticut. The Edison Project markets new schools, often using promises of new technology, ample classroom supplies, and a special reading curriculum to entice districts. Vouchers Based on the idea that competition will improve all schools, vouchers are at the heart of the school privatization effort.
School vouchers take money from a public school and give it to a private or religious one.
Although many claim vouchers are popular, the public has consistently rejected voucher schemes through popular referendums. Where voucher programs do exist in Milwaukee and Cleveland, they were created by legislative fiat. A handful of privately funded voucher systems also exist in various cities. Proponents argue that voucher programs will help students and force public schools to improve as they compete with private ones. It is difficult for public schools to improve with such losses in funding.