Do your CO House candidates support charter schools?
Yes. I think that parents should be able to choose the best public school for their children. I want all of our public schools to excel. Education is one of the most important issues facing our state and our nation, and improving our schools will be one of my highest priorities.
Yes. Because it encourages competition for students, thereby improving the education of students at all schools. Parents know best where their children will learn the most , what they want their children to learn, and who the best teachers are. Basicly, parents know best.
2. In your view, what role should charter schools play in the effort to provide parents and students choice in their schooling options?
Charter Schools can give parents different educational options for their children depending on the Charter School such as learning styles, curriculum, etc.
3. Do you support charter schools getting and keeping the autonomy to make key decisions that affect a school’s daily operations? Why or why not?
Yes. The problem with education as a whole today is that there are too many rules from the federal and state government that get in the way of local schools doing their job. Charter Schools are no different. Leave them alone and let them succeed or fail
4. In your view, do charter schools help improve the educational opportunities or harm the educational opportunities for students in traditional public schools? Help
5. Do you believe that charter schools should be eligible to receive facilities funding from state and local capital budgets to address their critical facilities needs? Why or why not?
I oppose increasing taxes. If the money can not be found in existing budgets without hurting other needs I would oppose this funding. Private contributions should be allowed.
6. In your view, how do teachers' jobs in charter schools differ from teachers' jobs in traditional public schools?
I'm not sure, but I would hope that teachers in charter schools would not have to belong to the union, would be paid based on performance, would not have tenure, and would not be required accreditation as long as they can get the job done.
Any time there is state or federal money tied to a school there are also stings tied to that school restricting the school board or adminisration from educating as they feel is best for the students. The best government is that which is closest to the people and so it is with schools. I was on the School Board at Igncio for 12 years and was very frustated because we made very few real decisions about education. We did not have a charter school in the district. If we recinded most of the federal and state regulations and laws regarding K/12 education and put the responsibility back on the locals, all schools would be virtual charter schools and we would improve our education system many times.