TO:  Coalition Members and Charter School Supporters

FROM:  Bridget Barrus, Executive Director

I am happy to announce that HB768 failed overwhelmingly on the floor of the Idaho State House of Representatives today.  This legislation sought to drastically change how Idahos public charter schools are funded. 

Below is a letter from the Coalition outlining our concerns regarding the HB 768.  We were joined by the Idaho School Boards Association in opposing the legislation.

On behalf of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families Board of Directors, Coalition members, and public charter school supporters across the state, we urge you to vote against HB 768.

Your no vote on this legislation is critical.  If adopted, it would seriously impact both existing and new public charter schools for the following reasons:

·                     IT THREATENS THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF BOTH NEW AND EXISTING PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

a.      According to the fiscal impact, it will reduce the average state funding per existing charter school by $140,760. 

b.      With this in mind, new charter schools would be unable to open because annual operating reserves for public charter schools are typically less than the $140,760 in lost revenues.   Think about what that will mean to the over 4,000 students on waiting lists across the state. 

c.      Idahos ability to compete for federal charter school grant dollars and private foundation monies will be gravely affected, leaving existing schools without the ability to access these much needed dollars.

·                     IT INCREASES THE FUNDING GAP

a.      This bill will widen the funding gap between traditional public schools and Idahos public charter schools. 

b.      In fiscal year 2005, public charter schools received 78% of the TOTAL revenue per ADA from all sources (local, state, and federal) compared to their traditional public school counterparts according to data from the State Department of Education.

c.      This legislation will reduce the already lower average by another 8% according to the fiscal impact statement. 

·                     IT DOES NOT RESOLVE THE CONCERNS OF THE SPONSOR

a.      The primary objective of this legislation is to close the loophole in charter school funding that is being utilized by local school districts to gain additional funds for the district by opening a charter school rather than other forms of choice such as magnet schools.

b.      Instead of closing the loophole, this legislation casts a much wider net negatively impacting all public charter schools rather than its intended target. 

The bottom line is that this legislation hurts public schools in Idaho.  We, along with the Idaho School Boards Association, ask you to vote no on HB 768.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the following legislators who stood in opposition to the bill, debating it on the floor and leading the charge for your childrens education.

We hope that you will take a moment to send them a note expressing your appreciation for their efforts.

¨          Rep. Ann Rydalch (Idaho Falls):  arydalch@house.idaho.gov

¨          Rep. Bob Nonini (Coeur dAlene): bnonini@house.idaho.gov      

¨          Rep. Jack Barraclough (Idaho Falls): jbarracl@house.idaho.gov

¨          Rep. Jim Clark (Hayden Lake): jclark@house.idaho.gov

¨          Rep. Scott Bedke (Oakley): sbedke@house.idaho.gov

With the Legislative session winding down, we are excited about some of the projects that we are beginning to work on.  Stay tuned for more information about our candidate questionnaire and possible candidate forum for the 5 candidates running for Superintendent of Public Instruction, as well as local legislative race information.  Our organization will be actively engaged in getting to know the candidates and where they stand on one of the most important issues in your life  your childs education. 

~ Bridget