Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1081161
I N R E S P O N S E T O growing concerns about unregulated charter schools siphoning public funds away from neighbor- hood public schools, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a study on the impacts of charter school growth on local school districts statewide, and announced he is working with the Legislature to improve charter school transparency and accountability. Newsom asked state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to convene experts to closely examine how charter schools impact school district budgets and to provide recommendations by July 1. e governor is also working with state legislators to mandate transparency for charter schools to ensure tax dollars spent on education only support schools that are accountable to the public. " We commend Gov. Newsom on asking for this study. It is an important and long overdue step toward holding charter schools accountable," says CTA President Eric Heins. "Califor- nia leaders must have an accurate picture of the impact that charter expansion has had on many traditional neighborhood public schools." Newsom's plan to shine a light on unregulated charter schools comes on the heels of the historic United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) strike, which led to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education's call for a state study of charter impacts and a moratorium on new charter approvals (see story on facing page). The NAACP has also been active in seeking more account- ability and transparency for char t er school s, adopting a resolution in 2016 calling for a moratorium on charter school expansion until these issues are resolved. The NAACP created a task force to investigate charter schools nationwide, even- tually issuing a report that found a "wide range of problems" with charter schools. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson says many char- ter schools' practices are troubling. "For the NAACP, we have been far more aggressive toward bad public schools then we've ever been against charter schools. We aren't going to change our approach because there is a market-driven concept to edu- cation. We believe the same for public schools should apply to charter schools." For more information about the impact of charter schools on community public schools, see kidsnotprofits.com. —Julian Peeples Newsom Calls for Study on Impacts of Charter Schools 41 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 019 A THE BEST EDUCATORS MAKE IT PERSONAL. THAT INCLUDES US. (805) 493-3325 clugrad@CalLutheran.edu CalLutheran.edu/GSOE Financial Aid and Graduate Scholarships Available • Preliminary Administrative Services Credential • M.A. in Educational Leadership • M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership • Doctorate in Educational Leadership (K-12 or Higher Ed)