RTD Editorial on Charter Schools

Christopher Peace from the 97th Disrtrict (parts of Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, New Kent, and Spotsylvania counties) penned an editorial in support of charter schools. Patrick Henry is not mentioned directly but it is certainly relevant to this discussion.

According to a recent “2009-2010 Commonwealth Education Poll” conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Commonwealth Education Policy Institute — which is led by William C. Bosher Jr., the institute’s executive director — most Virginians don’t know what a charter school is. In fact, only 8 percent acknowledge ever hearing or reading about charters. Yet, when these public programs are explained, a vast majority supports the expansion of choice through these special tools for learning.

Fifty-six percent of Virginians favor public charter programs with opposition from only 26 percent — leaving one of every five Virginians undecided or, as I would say, persuadable.

When the program is defined, Virginians support charter schools by a two-to-one ratio, Bosher said. The entire 75-page report including complete question wording and detailed tables of results is available at http://www.cepionline.org/.

We will keep you posted on any cancellations/postponements of Monday’s School Board meeting, which should have a good number of Patrick Henry supporters.