Excerpted from the January 21, 1993, address to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA), and the Wisconsin Association of School Board Officials (WASBO) State Education Convention
In 1993, Wisconsin officially joined the growing list of states debating Charter Schools as a way to promote greater innovation in public education. Governor Thompson introduced provisions for charters as part of his 1993- 1994 state budget recommendations. Here are some of his thoughts on Charter Schools.
"I want to give school districts and teachers flexibility in designing innovative schools," the Governor said. "My budget includes a Charter Schools initiative to allow school districts to design innovative educational programs."
"Under the initiative, a school district could contract with a Charter School, or convert all its schools to Charter Schools. These new schools would be exempt from many state laws, with the exception of the school report card and state wide assessments. Existing private schools will be prohibited from becoming Charter Schools."
"Currently, Minnesota and California are experimenting with Charter Schools, and at least nine other states have proposals pending. We don't want to be left behind."
"I envision Charter Schools to be what former education secretary Lamar Alexander described as 'breaking the mold schools.' Our schools really haven't changed all that much since the days that many of us went to school. Yet, the work force and the world have changed dramatically."
"School boards, administrators, and teachers too often find themselves stymied as they attempt to bring our schools into the 21st century. As a result, children are left behind. As leaders, we need the flexibility that Charter Schools offer . . . opportunities virtually free of mandates."
"Charter Schools say to parents, teachers, principals, administrators, and boards, 'We trust you. You know what's best for your children. Let's place real decisionmaking power into your hands.' This proposal will help schools be more innovative and therefore more responsive to student needs."
Posted on March 6, 1995
URL: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/go/93-2THOM.HTM