A few weeks ago I experienced an inexplicable burst of optimism about the education stimulus. I had thought that $100 billion in??federal funds--and especially the $5 billion "race to the top" kitty--might encourage some states to make politically-difficult but reform-friendly changes to policy. Maine was my prime example, as it looked poised to finally pass a charter school law in order to qualify for the big bucks from Uncle Sam.
Well, let the cynicism return. Steve Bowen of the Maine Heritage Policy Center alerted me to this article from today's Morning Sentinel, aptly??entitled "Committee rejects charter schools."
AUGUSTA -- Members of a legislative panel narrowly rejected a bill Wednesday that would allow charter schools in Maine, setting the stage for a contentious debate on the Senate floor.In an 8-5 vote, the Legislature's Education Committee ceded to concerns that allowing charter schools would direct funds away from local school districts already reeling from reduced state subsidies.
The lawmakers in favor of allowing the independently-run public schools said the legislation's passage was overdue in Maine, one of 10 states that do not allow charter schools.
The bill -- sponsored by Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Trenton, and opposed by the state's largest teachers' union and a group representing Maine superintendents -- next goes to the Senate for debate.
And note this:
The Education Committee debate took place the same day U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan told a Congressional committee that states that limit the number of charter schools they allow might have a hard time accessing $100 billion in federal funds meant to spur education reform.
Surely there's a lesson here. Maybe $100 billion is just not enough.*
*That was a joke.
