parent power  By Dr. Jo Lynne DeMary 

Charter School Option Worth Trying

Q. The Richmond School Board recently gave approval for the city’s first charter school, Patrick Henry, but there was so much controversy leading up to the decision. Why are some people so against charter schools? And why are there no charters in neighboring Richmond-area school divisions?

A. I applaud the Richmond Board for voting to grant the charter. With the educational challenges facing us today, it is important to explore as many options as possible to meet the needs of all of our children. The group has been working on the proposal for 18 months. The school will operate on a year-round calendar, a schedule which has yielded positive academic results in other Virginia schools. Under Virginia’s charter school law, a charter school continues to operate as a public school but will be governed by its own board of directors. I think some folks operate from a lack of knowledge. They fear change and the unknown. I’m not sure that the neighboring divisions have had any applications, but I am hopeful that they will.

Q. With the skyrocketing prices of gasoline, is there anything to prevent a school or school division from going on a four-day schedule rather than five-day in order to save energy?

A. There is not, other than the fatigue factor that sets in for young children during a lengthened school day. Energy costs are a growing part of the operational costs of schools across the state. Division leadership is going to have to explore all options. However, changing the school week is a serious public policy change that deserves stakeholders’ input and discussion.

Q My child goes to school in Chesterfield County. Her school got the results of a security audit conducted by school resource and security officers in the state. (All Chesterfield county schools were audited.) The recommendations have budget implications, but the budget process is complete for next school year. How can I feel comfortable sending my child to a school with safety needs?

A Chesterfield County has a good track record in this area through the addition of numerous security features including closed-circuit televisions, video recorders, electronic visitor-control systems and two-way communication systems. I think you can feel confident that any major safety issues identified through this process will be addressed by the administration and the Board. If not, you’ve got the district’s audit as proof that the safety needs exist when you bring your concerns to school officials.

Jo Lynne DeMary was superintendent of public instruction for Virginia and is currently director of the Center for School Improvement at VCU. She believes that parents empowered by knowledge are the best partners in their children’s education.

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