To:  Coalition Members and Charter School Supporters

Date:  March 1, 2006

Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee failed to pass SB 1378 out of committee for consideration by the full Senate.  The legislation would have increased the cap on Idahos public charter schools from 6 to 12 per year. 

Several members of the committee continue to perpetuate the myth that public charter schools in Idaho are not accountable.  It is unfortunate that they continue to believe this despite many opportunities to visit public charter schools and meet with their boards.  I am convinced that until these members are willing to spend as much time with public charter school supporters as they do with a well-known group of public charter school antagonists, they will never see public charter schools for what they really are  a successful, efficient educational option for thousands of children across the state of Idaho. 

Senator Pearce said it best, this is about kids, when he referred to the legislation.  Until the 5 other members of the committee are dedicated to what is doing best for kids, measures such as this will continue to fail in the Senate Education Committee.  

We applaud Senator Goedde, the sponsor of the legislation, for working to expand choice in public education and to empower parents.  We also want to thank Senators Pearce (New Plymouth), Fulcher (Kuna), and Jorgensen (Hayden Lake) for voting in favor of the measure.  Please take a moment to write a thank-you note to these supporters.  We greatly appreciate their efforts.  

Thank your for those of you who sent letters and to those who attended the committee hearing yesterday.

~ Bridget