|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Twin Falls Times-News Letter: Letter to Editor: Public money doesn't 'disappear' from charters |
April 11, 2008
Twin Falls Times News
There is a reason public charter schools - including virtual charter schools - have been called the most accountable public schools.
Not only do public charter schools file the same fiscal reports as traditional public schools but they have an authorizer looking over their shoulders as well.
Like all public schools, virtual charter schools undergo an annual, independent fiscal audit to ensure responsible use of public funds. The audits are reviewed by both the State Department of Education and the Public Charter School Commission, to which the Legislature has granted authority to enforce adherence to the law.
Virtual charter school budgets, also submitted annually to the State Department of Education, reflect some flexibility not available to traditional public schools. For example, public charter schools may choose to reallocate state funds traditionally earmarked for staff salaries. Such monies are then accounted for as part of the school's general fund.
This flexibility enables public charter schools to explore new educational options - including virtual instruction - to educate students on the same per-pupil funding as any public school of similar size, without costing their communities an extra penny in bonds.
The Public Charter School Commission takes seriously its mandate to oversee the charter schools it authorizes. When commission-authorized schools have encountered financial difficulty in the past, the commission has responded with an eye to the responsible use of public funds.
In fact, the commission sponsored a bill that passed during the 2008 legislative session, expanding and clarifying the definition of fiscal soundness with regard to public charter schools.
Public funds sent to virtual charter schools do not simply disappear. Any concerned person, authorizer or otherwise, may examine a public virtual school's financial documents at any time. They're public record.
BILL GOESLING
Boise
(Editor's note: Bill Goesling is the chairman of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission.)
http://magicvalley.com/articles/2008/04/11/opinion/reader_comments/134556.txt
|
|
|
| Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families PO Box 6236 | Boise, ID 83707-6236 | 877-792-5900 |
|
|
|
|