NCREL's Policy Briefs

Charter Schools Update

Illinois PTA Legislation Position Statement

Position on Charter Schools

It is the position of the Illinois PTA that charter schools could be a viable part of the reform initiative. They could provide a vehicle for change and innovation by creating new kinds of schools within the public school structure. The Illinois PTA also considers charter schools to be only a small piece of school reform. They should not be viewed as a means of improving the overall quality of education in Illinois, nor as a means of solving the school funding issue. Charter schools are but one option in a continuum of educational reform.

The Illinois PTA will support legislation creating charter schools that meets the following specific conditions:

1. Charter schools must not be operated for a profit; nor affiliated with a non-public sectarian, religious or home-based school. (Public funds must not be used for private schools. An Illinois PTA Continuing Position)

2. Charter schools must be open to all students regardless of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability.

3. Charter schools must not charge tuition or fees which might preclude attendance and full participation by economically disadvantaged students.

4. There must not be any negative impact on currently existing schools.

5. New monies must be made available to fund charter schools; and the state must work to improve funding for existing elementary and secondary schools until it provides the primary cost of public education.

6. Charter schools must be subject to all federal and state laws which deal with health and safety, and prohibit discrimination; and must be subject to the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Acts.

7. A charter school must be accountable to the local board of education of the district in which it is located.

8. In order to insure the highest standards of teaching, teachers must be certified.

Posted on March 3, 1995

URL: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/go/94-2pta.htm