Prince George’s BOE Approves Charter School Contract

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by TCR25

It's not that the Prince George's BOE is opposed to charters but that Maryland's laws governing charters aren't as appealing to those who set up a lot of charters in other jurisdictions. For example, Maryland only allows public charters; they have to meet the same standards as non-charter public schools; they have to answer to the local school board; employees have access to the same collective bargaining rights as non-charter public schools; and they have to offer something different from non-charter public schools.

Outside of Baltimore City, there are only a handful in the state and Prince George's (now with eight charter schools) has more than any other county.

As for the idea of College Park Academy replicating itself throughout the county, the school is a joint venture between UMD and the City of College Park. Unless south- or central-county municipality wants to participate in sponsoring and governing the charter school, the model is unlikely to spread.

Its a combination of both. Maryland's charter school laws are terrible but BOEs of MD counties are empowered to approve charters (which technically is a conflict in my opinion) as well as determine what amount would follow the student from public school. Although they have made better strides than other counties, they still have a long way to go. Especially considering the general performance of PG schools. They should turn every stone to improve.

[armory]

The folks who need to take this to Baker are parents who want better schooling for their kids. How many county residents know what lies on the southernmost point of PGC? There are more than a few people living down that way and any good school would be welcomed if parents pushed for it.

As for the Waldorf kids attending PGC public schools...how does that happen? They aren't private schools that parents pay tuition for though I know a lot of kids from DC attend PGC schools. How many PGC kids attend Waldorf kids and how long do you think that would last? PGC school administrators have to be more responsible and, again, it is up to parents of students.
Absentee parents are a kids greatest downfall. I saw it while in school as well as an adult.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by armory

The folks who need to take this to Baker are parents who want better schooling for their kids. How many county residents know what lies on the southernmost point of PGC? There are more than a few people living down that way and any good school would be welcomed if parents pushed for it.

As for the Waldorf kids attending PGC public schools...how does that happen? They aren't private schools that parents pay tuition for though I know a lot of kids from DC attend PGC schools. How many PGC kids attend Waldorf kids and how long do you think that would last? PGC school administrators have to be more responsible and, again, it is up to parents of students.
Absentee parents are a kids greatest downfall. I saw it while in school as well as an adult.

That's my bad. for some reason my brain keeps thinking Waldorf is part of PGC.

[armory]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

That's my bad. for some reason my brain keeps thinking Waldorf is part of PGC.

We gotta cut Waldorf some slack. They are already absorbing the brunt of the spillover from PGC and they also provide a worthwhile alternative to shopping than southern PGC offers.