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Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free, tax-funded public schools that have been given more flexibility and autonomy than district-operated schools. In California, most are run by nonprofit boards of directors. As of the fall of 2016, California’s 1,254 charter schools enrolled 602,837 students — for the first time serving 1 in 10 of California’s public school students.
April 19, 2019

Outside public view, panel faces tight deadline to recommend reforms of California's charter school law

The Charter Task Force is taking on one of the most heated education reform issues in the state and is shooting to come up with recommendations to send to Gov. Newsom by July 1.

Louis Freedberg
April 11, 2019

Efforts to restrict charter school growth in California inch forward in state Legislature

The Assembly Education Committee chaired by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, a former high school teacher, approved legislation that, among other things, would place a cap on charter schools in the state to approximately their current levels and deny the State Board of Education the ability to approve a charter application after being denied by a school district or county office of education.

Louis Freedberg
March 28, 2019

California’s K-12 enrollment drops again, charter schools see increase

State releases enrollment data for 2018-19, revealing five-year trends that show an increase in Latino students, but a decrease in English learners.

Theresa Harrington
March 20, 2019

A cap on charters would only cap family choices

Don't ignore the powerful impact charter schools have on student's lives, former student says.

Michael Phillips
March 14, 2019

Charter school supporters unveil battle strategy against push to restrict growth in California

The California Charter Schools Association takes aim at the California Teachers Association.

Diana Lambert
March 8, 2019

California governor's new task force on charter schools convenes

The task force will examine the financial impact of charter schools and report back to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

John Fensterwald
March 5, 2019

Gov. Newsom signs legislation requiring charter school transparency in California

Both the California Teachers Association and the California Charter Schools Association, which have been waging a high-profile battle over charter schools, were represented at signing event in the Capitol. The bill became law only two weeks after it was first heard in committee in the State Capitol.

Louis Freedberg And Diana Lambert
February 28, 2019

Disclosure requirements for charter schools await Gov. Newsom's signature

California's open meetings, public records and conflict-of-interest laws will soon apply to charter schools. Newsom called for the legislation.

John Fensterwald
February 28, 2019

Bay Area district joins others in calling for moratorium on charter school expansions

School boards in West Contra Costa Unified, Los Angeles Unified and Oakland Unified have all expressed concerns about the growth of charter schools.

Theresa Harrington
February 28, 2019

Charter schools are not to blame for Oakland Unified's financial woes

Scapegoating charters not the solution to district's labor dispute, author says.

Eric Premack
February 26, 2019

Proposed legislation would substantially curb growth of California charter schools

Legislation by the chair of the Assembly Education Committee would ban appeals, cap charters at the current level and factor in charter schools’ fiscal impact on authorizing districts

John Fensterwald
February 5, 2019

Gov. Newsom asks to review impact of California charter schools on district finances

United Teachers of Los Angeles questions the need for the panel, and says an "immediate cap" on charter schools is "urgently necessary."

Louis Freedberg And Mikhail Zinshteyn
January 30, 2019

LA Unified, teachers still face challenges over contract and charter school moratorium

L.A. Unified's school board and UTLA have ratified a contract, but L.A. County Superintendent Debra Duardo is skeptical the district can pay for its promises, and the Legislature may not agree to a charter school moratorium.

John Fensterwald
January 24, 2019

Planned school closures in Oakland Unified have parents, teachers and community members on edge

Oakland Unified faces a budget deficit, in part because students are choosing charter and private schools. The district enrolls only 58 percent of the nearly 63,000 school-age children who live in Oakland.

Theresa Harrington
January 6, 2019

Consistent to the end, Jerry Brown says it's all about teachers and students

Brown has been remarkably consistent on key education issues throughout his governorship.

Louis Freedberg