In Missouri, we all want great schools for our kids. But now, there’s a big question being asked: Should we let more charter schools open in our towns — even if our local school board doesn’t want them?
Let’s talk about what charter schools are, and why some people consider them “anti-democratic.
What Is a Charter School?
A charter school is a school that gets public money, just like regular public schools. But it’s run by a private group, not by your local school board. That means the people you vote for — like your school board members — don’t get to make the rules for that school.
Some charter schools do a good job. But others don’t follow the same rules as public schools. And when they don’t do well, they can close suddenly, leaving families and students with nowhere to go.
So, a Charter School uses your tax dollars to fund a school without a publicly elected Board of Education.
What’s the Problem?
Right now, some lawmakers want to let more charter schools open in Missouri — even in places where the local community doesn’t want them. That means a charter school could open in your town without your school board’s approval.
Here’s why that’s a problem:
- Charter schools take money away from public schools.
- They don’t always have to follow the same rules.
- They aren’t run by an elected official.
- If they close, students are left without a school.
In Kentucky, the state’s highest court said that charter schools shouldn’t be funded unless voters approve it. They said it’s not fair to have a “second school system” that doesn’t follow the same rules.
Why Local Control Matters
Your local school board is made up of people from your community. They know your schools, your teachers, and your kids. They listen to parents and make decisions that are best for your town.
But if charter schools can open without your school board’s say, your community loses control. That’s not fair.
What Can We Do?
We can speak up. We can tell our lawmakers that we want to keep decisions about our schools in our own hands. We can say:
- No to charter schools that don’t answer to our community.
- Yes to strong public schools that serve every child.
- Yes to local control and fair funding for all schools.
Let’s make sure our schools are run by the people who know our kids best — us.