Introduction to Charter Schools in Broward
As the Broward school district looks to downsize and find new uses for low-enrolled campuses, some local city leaders are pondering whether to get into the business of running schools. The city of Parkland is conducting a feasibility study on the possibility of opening charter schools or converting existing district-run schools into charter schools. A city commissioner in nearby Margate is voicing similar interest in his city. If cities followed through, they would join Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs as operators of charter schools.
Background on the New Law
A new law that took effect July 1 makes it easier for more cities to open charter schools and even take over district-run schools. Parkland Mayor Rich Walker told the South Florida Sun Sentinel he expects city staff to complete a feasibility study by this fall. “I think it’s prudent for us to just weigh our options,” Walker said. “What happens from that point, who knows?” Tommy Ruzzano, a city commissioner in Margate, is pushing for his city to operate charter schools. He said he’d like to use a management company, such as Charter Schools USA, which operates the high-performing City of Coral Springs Charter School.
Concerns and Motivations
The elected leaders have voiced concern about what may happen in the future as part of the “Redefining Broward County Public Schools” initiative, which could involve closing and repurposing schools. The district has more than 45,000 empty seats and has struggled to bring families back, despite most schools achieving A or B grades from the state. Margate officials have worried the district may try to close or consolidate schools in the city, such as the low-enrolled Liberty Elementary. Parkland schools are full and unlikely to be closed, but city officials are eyeing possible expansion. The state generally doesn’t allow a school district to build new schools to accommodate growth in the area as long as there is available space elsewhere in the district to accommodate students. Charter schools don’t face the same restrictions, so Parkland would be allowed to build charter schools.
Potential Locations and Partnerships
One issue that concerned Ruzzano was a June 9 email from Samantha Au, an analyst in the school district’s real estate department, asking about the possibility of rezoning vacant land next to Margate Elementary. “Will the city permit affordable housing as it is currently zoned for community facilities?” Au asked Margate’s planning division. “Or does it need to be rezoned or need a variance? I would appreciate any information that you can provide to assist us.” The district has already announced plans to try to create affordable housing for teachers at the site of the now-closed Dave Thomas East Education Center in Pompano Beach. Ruzzano told the City Commission at a June 18 meeting, “they want to do affordable housing for the teachers because they don’t pay the teachers enough. I think this is absolutely ridiculous.”
Reactions from School District Officials
The Broward school district “has a strong partnership with both the City of Parkland and the City of Margate, which is reflected in the outstanding performance of all our A-rated schools in Parkland and our A and B-rated schools in Margate,” school district spokesman John Sullivan said. While cities have been allowed for decades to operate their own charter schools, a new state law makes it easier and gives them more options. One option is to take over a traditional public school as a “conversion charter school.” These schools have been allowed in state law since the late 1990s, and there are 23 of them.
New Law and Its Implications
But under a law that took effect July 1, teachers no longer have a vote. A majority of parents must participate in an election, and a majority of those voting must say yes for the school to convert to a charter school. The conversion charter school could be run by a city or a nonprofit organization. The new law also authorizes cities to open a charter school as a “job engine,” or way to attract new industries, with families working in those industries getting priority for admissions. Parkland city commissioners were unanimous in their support for exploring charter school options during a meeting that was held on June 18, the same night Ruzzano brought up the issue in Margate.
Potential Challenges and Criticisms
But there may not be unanimous support to pursue the idea in Margate. Mayor Arlene Schwartz, a retired Broward schools teacher and administrator, told the Sun Sentinel that she’s reluctant to compete with the school district. “I think it’s a poor idea for the layman to think that they can do this. It takes an education. Not everybody can just open up a school because they think it’s a great idea,” she said Thursday evening. However, a few minutes later she called back and said she would be open to starting a charter high school, since the school district doesn’t operate one in the city. Margate students are assigned to high schools in Coral Springs or Coconut Creek.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the possibility of Broward cities starting charter schools is a complex issue with various motivations, concerns, and implications. While some city leaders see it as an opportunity to improve education and attract new industries, others are skeptical about the potential challenges and criticisms. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved, including city officials, school district officials, teachers, parents, and students.
FAQs
Q: What is the main motivation behind Broward cities considering starting charter schools?
A: The main motivation is to improve education and attract new industries, as well as to address concerns about the potential closure or repurposing of schools.
Q: What is the new law that took effect July 1, and how does it affect charter schools?
A: The new law makes it easier for cities to open charter schools and take over district-run schools, and it authorizes cities to open charter schools as a “job engine” to attract new industries.
Q: What are the potential challenges and criticisms of cities starting charter schools?
A: Potential challenges and criticisms include the risk of creating diseconomies of scale, placing major administrative burdens on cities, and competing with the school district.
Q: Which cities are currently considering starting charter schools?
A: Parkland and Margate are currently considering starting charter schools, while other cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Pembroke Pines have discussed or implemented similar initiatives in the past.
Q: What is the role of the school district in the potential creation of charter schools?
A: The school district has a strong partnership with the cities and is open to exploring options for charter schools, but some officials have expressed concerns about the potential challenges and criticisms.
