The popular notion that public school districts are losing money because of charter school enrollment is now considered nonsense by many. The April 27 edition of The Columbus Dispatch shows that even though charter enrollment has risen in the past five years, so has funding for traditional school districts. Columbus is now receiving $20 million more than in 1998-1999, and Cleveland is receiving $67 million more. Many school treasurers still look at charter schools as a drain of resources; however, the Dispatch points out that the financial burden may be because the schools are unwilling to downsize to match lower enrollments.
“Schools Have More Money Despite Charter Drain,” by Jennifer Smith Richards, The Columbus Dispatch, April 27, 2006.
“Money Mangers Needed,” Editorial, The Columbus Dispatch, May 4, 2006.