Charter Education

Below is the text of an editorial I wrote for the Paso Robles Press that was published on Jan. 14. I thought I would share it here too for those that might have missed it.

On Tuesday night, Paso Robles took a step toward a different kind of education option as the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District accepted the application of the Paso Robles Community Charter School. Does this mean the school will be a viable option in September? No, it doesn’t.

What it does mean is that district staff and district board members are open to exploring a different educational option. Staff, board members, and charter school organizers will now have 30 days to review and consider the application before it is brought for a vote. That vote, then, will determine whether the PRCCS can start the process of enrolling students, hiring a staff, and changing the face of public education in Paso Robles.

Though I am not a parent, education has been a passion of mine for several years. When I worked for the Paso Robles Press full time I had the opportunity to cover the education beat. It was a unique and richly rewarding experience as I had a chance to meet the men and women that pour their lives into giving the best education possible to local students. I know there has been a lot of criticism of the school district in recent years, some of it deserved and some of it not, but what I was always moved by during my years covering the local education beat was the passion that educators, students, district staff, and parents brought to the education experience in Paso Robles.

But I also came to see that, while most involved sought the best possible opportunities for students, the education system in this country is flawed. It’s easy to say that, but it’s hard to come up with easy answers because there are none for a problem this complex.

Earlier this year when I saw a trailer for the movie “Waiting for Superman,” I was immediately intrigued. The documentary, from director Davis Guggenheim (“An Inconvenient Truth”), takes a hard look at the education system, the flaws in the system, and the ways people are working to overcome those flaws. One of those ways is through charter schools.

Now, I heard many people say they refused to see the film because it promotes charter schools. First of all I would say that isn’t an accurate representation of the film; but secondly I’d ask what is wrong with that? I think it stems from a failure to understand what charter schools are.

First, there is no uniform description of a charter school. The benefits of charter schools — which operate using public money and are subject to requirements about enrollment standards — are that they are free to think outside the bureaucratic box. Imagine what our public schools would be able to accomplish if they had that freedom?

Second, whenever I talk to people they seem to believe that charter schools are about elitism — taking the best students from the local community and segregating them from the rest. Again, I don’t think this is an accurate representation. Everyone is allowed to apply to a charter school. When there are more applicants than spots — as is almost always the case — a lottery is held to fill the open slots.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of “Waiting for Superman” is watching the seven students whose stories you’ve heard enter the lottery for a local charter school program. They don’t all get in. Of course, the situations depicted there are much bleaker than what we have been blessed with in Paso Robles, but don’t parents and students have the right to access all possible options when it comes to preparing for their future?

So it really comes down to two questions — are charter schools a good idea and is the PRCCS a good idea? Based on the heartfelt testimony I heard last night, the condition of education in this country, and the models available, I believe the answer to the first question is yes.

When I was younger I was an ardent supporter of public schools, always resisting the idea of private education, charter schools, and vouchers. I am still an ardent supporter of public schools, and I am proud of the education I received at a public school in San Luis Obispo County. But as I’ve watched our education system and considered the challenges facing us, I think we have to be open to out-of-the-box options. That’s what charter schools are — another option.

As to whether the PRCCS is the right option, that’s what this review process is all about. I was moved by the passion and commitment of the founding team, and I think everyone that spoke on Tuesday night is committed to the idea of doing what’s best for the students of Paso Robles. I think our board members want the same thing, as do the men and women that work hard to keep the PRJUSD going. Over the next month they’ll see if the vision of both groups can align.

I, for one, am glad to see we’re keeping all our options open, and I hope the public is too.