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 ncep STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIRMAN

STATEMENT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S CHARTER SCHOOL LAW
by John Hage, Chairman, The National Council of Education Providers

(January 17, 2005) As leaders of quality education options for children in 23 states, including South Carolina, the National Council of Education Providers (NCEP) has serious concerns regarding how some lawmakers are proposing to change the state’s charter school law.

There is no question that the law needs to be changed so that more South Carolina families will have access to highly accountable public school options for their children. The current law is not sufficient. But the proposed changes to HB 3010 make the situation worse, not better.

The proposed changes would create an environment in which local districts are providing some public school students less funding than others. Charter schools students are public school students – and should be provided the same support as their peers in regular public schools.

In states where charter schools thrive, there is more control for schools not less, equitable funding for children that follows them from local and state sources, multiple authorizers to help get charters started and firm accountability requirements that ensure every school must meet state standards.

South Carolina’s leadership has a unique opportunity to improve its public education system by attracting new community partners and fulfilling its commitment to children, particularly those stuck in failing schools. Today, more than 450 public schools across the state fail to meet adequate yearly progress.

We urge lawmakers to put aside their current deliberations and take time to focus on positive changes that support charter schools and their students and have a lasting impact on the state for years to come.

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About the National Council of Education Providers

The National Council of Education Providers (NCEP) is an alliance of organizations that provide quality education opportunities for families in 267 charter schools across 18 states. Along with other public-private partnerships, the coalition of companies serves over 150,000 students nationwide.

For more information, contact NCEP at (202) 822-5076.