We suspect the teachers’ union and others involved in the lawsuit challenging the state’s charter school law read newspaper editorials. And we hope they consider the counsel delivered by the editorial boards. If so, we may finally see the end of the persistent attempts to block Washington’s relatively modest and highly regarded charter school legislation.
The editorial boards of the Spokesman-Review and Union-Bulletin recently celebrated Judge John H. Chun’s ruling that Washington’s charter public school law is constitutional.
The Spokesman-Review:
Washington state’s charter schools scored a huge victory Feb. 17 when they won the latest round in court. Hopefully, opponents will concede defeat and move on.
King County Superior Court Judge John H. Chun gave them plenty of reasons to do so…
Judge Chun ruled the new law doesn’t divert funds meant for traditional public schools. However, if more charter schools are authorized and the lottery account can’t cover costs, the Legislature may need another solution.
As for accountability, Chun noted that the statewide Commission on Charter Schools includes the state superintendent and members appointed by elected officials. Plus, school districts can become charter school authorizers, which Spokane Public Schools chose to do. The district is overseen by an elected school board.
The Union-Bulletin:
The ruling appears solid. It’s time to give charter schools a chance to soar or flounder…
Washington state’s education establishment needs to realize that learning options benefit all.
Rather than wasting time, energy and money fighting against charter schools, the teachers union and others should join in efforts to improve and evolve education efforts — including charter schools.
We encourage you to read the editorials in their entirety.
Earlier, we linked to editorials in the Seattle Times, Yakima Herald-Republic and Columbian that similarly encouraged the opponents to accept Judge Chun’s ruling, drop the fight, and concentrate on what’s best for the state’s students.
It’s time.
