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Democrats Call For Hold On New Charter Schools

Democrats at the state Capitol are calling for a moratorium on new charter schools until there are rules that ensure more transparency and accountability.

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta.

A Detroit Free Press series outlined issues with charters that include an inability to look at how operators use their per-student state aid payments.

State Representative Sarah Roberts says the rules should require private, for-profit charter operators to open their books to the public.

“We are seeing for-profit companies that are unwilling to tell taxpayers how they’re spending their money,” she says.

Dan Quissenberry works for a charter school association.

“We need to be focused on giving parents more choices, not fewer choices, and this seems to be a measure focused on removing choices from parents,” he says.

Charter operators say current rules ensure they’re honest and accountable. They say the Democrats’ bills are an effort to create a political issue in an election year.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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