COLUMBUS, Ohio — The latest version of the Senate budget bill could give a boost to charter schools across the state of Ohio.
- High performing charter schools could get more money
- Opponents think there should be equal funding for parochial and private schools too
- Advocates say other charter schools will be challenged to improve
Education advocates believe this latest move by the Senate could send a big message about improving their performance.
Charter schools around the state of Ohio could reap the benefits of the Senate's budget bill version if passed. In fact, they could see $50 million in benefits.
The money would be pulled from traditional public schools in the state's $11 billion proposed education budget.
Some who oppose the increase believe there should be equal funding for parochial and private schools too.
But charter school advocates like Chad Aldis with the Fordham Institute are behind it.
"The particular proposal is funding the very best performing charter schools...charter schools that have outperformed the traditional public school where they are for multiple years...and that have shown student growth that exceeded expectations," said Aldis.
There are about 40 to 50 high quality charter schools that could receive funding.
Education advocates say that if the Ohio Senate and the House can agree on a final version of the bill with the additional funding, Aldis says it would challenge other charter schools to improve.
"It will send a very powerful message that if this ends up being enacted, that a charter school, if you can serve students well and prove yourself that the state will provide sufficient resources so that you can grow and serve more students," said Aldis.
Aldis says the Senate already cut one third of charter school funding per pupil and the total funds they would have received.
Plus, there's always been a large funding disparity between traditional public schools and charter schools.
"So, the funding gap for charter schools in Columbus for example...if a traditional public school received around 15 thousand dollars, a charter school student would receive between 11 and 12 thousand on average. So, there is a gap," said Aldis.
From Aldis’ perspective, putting money towards high performing charter schools is a step in the right direction as they look to close the funding gap.
Right now, traditional public schools receive state, federal, and local funds. Charter schools do not receive local dollars and that's what creates the funding gap.
Those schools that could receive a portion of the $50 million would be ones, where half of their student population is low income students.
If the Senate and House agree on the funding, they should start receiving it in phases, beginning in 2022.