Thanks to everyone who has submitted letters to the editor, taking aim at critics of our public virtual schools. Here's one that appeared Sunday.

If you haven't already, read our July 12 email alert and submit your own letter. Also, send us an update of any outreach you've made. You can email it to us at info@idchartercoalition.org.Thanks for being great advocates for your choice in public education!

Virtual Academy is highly accountable for funding

I cannot believe the ignorance presented in your recent articles regarding online charter schools.

When reading a Times-News story, I was disturbed, yet not surprised, that your story didn't include a single parental comment on the matter. What exactly is the problem? Our textbooks and supplies come from another state, or is it that the quality of materials such as science experiments and art supplies that K12 provides are a parent's dream? Is it unreasonable that since I'm not paying for insurance on a building and a janitor I can get better supplies?

The IDVA funding system is held highly accountable. I also know that our school board is made up of a number of people with backgrounds in education leadership, making them better qualified than most to deal with funding formulas that best serve our students.

My kids have been in the Idaho Virtual Academy for four years and the results speak for themselves. My daughter had very low ISAT scores in the public school system. This year (fourth grade), she tested advanced for her age group, she cried when Julius Caesar died, if lost at sea she could filter her own water, and at the store the other day she knew that the cashier had given me the wrong change.

If options like IDVA work for my family and thousands of other students, maybe these schools deserve a fair chance and some responsible journalism.

SUZIE HELLER

Gooding