Education
Make Charters — Not Taxpayers — Pay for Closed Schools
Cashing in on Kids, a joint project of In the Public Interest and the American Federation of Teachers, is working to ensure that parents, teachers, students and taxpayers continue to have a strong voice in how we run our schools and educate our nation’s children. Below is an action that needs your attention.
The FBI is currently investigating Concept Schools, Inc., a charter management company, which operates 19 schools in the state of Ohio. The federal investigation is for “white-collar crime,” self-dealing, and misusing federal money meant for the neediest students.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, it is likely that all 19 Concept charter schools will be shut down, but too often this puts taxpayers on the hook for the schools’ liabilities and debts.
Can you sign our petition today and help us protect taxpayers from any more grief and costs created by Concept Schools?
That’s why we are demanding that both the Ohio Board of Education and the Ohio Department of Education take the necessary steps to protect taxpayers’ and students’ interests against further wrongdoing on the part of Concept Schools.
Total enrollment in Concept Schools in Ohio is nearly 6,700 students and is funded by $48.5 million from state taxpayers. Working men and women in Ohio should not be forced to spend a single dime due to the potential closure of Concept Schools as the result of its own misconduct.
State education officials have the power under Ohio law to take back control of Concept Charters as the schools’ sponsor and require that each of the 19 Concept Schools post a “bond payable to the state or to file with the state superintendent a guarantee, which shall be used to pay the state any moneys owed by the community school in the event the schools closes.”
Please add your voice to those of parents, students and taxpayers across the country upset by poor oversight over charter schools and demand that we take back control of our schools. It is time that for-profit charter school operators like Concept Schools be held accountable and pay for their own wrongdoing, instead of taxpayers footing the bill.
-
State of InequalityApril 4, 2024
No, the New Minimum Wage Won’t Wreck the Fast Food Industry or the Economy
-
State of InequalityApril 18, 2024
Critical Audit of California’s Efforts to Reduce Homelessness Has Silver Linings
-
State of InequalityMarch 21, 2024
Nurses Union Says State Watchdog Does Not Adequately Investigate Staffing Crisis
-
Latest NewsApril 5, 2024
Economist Michael Reich on Why California Fast-Food Wages Can Rise Without Job Losses and Higher Prices
-
California UncoveredApril 19, 2024
Los Angeles’ Black Churches Join National Effort to Support Dementia Patients and Their Families
-
Latest NewsMarch 22, 2024
In Georgia, a Basic Income Program’s Success With Black Women Adds to Growing National Interest
-
Latest NewsApril 8, 2024
Report: Banks Should Set Stricter Climate Goals for Agriculture Clients
-
Striking BackMarch 25, 2024
Unionizing Planned Parenthood