State Supreme Court: Charter schools are unconstitutional

Friday, the Washington State Supreme Court overturned a law voted in 2012 that allowed for the public-funded support of charter schools for reasons of unconstitutionality.

“Justice Mary E. Fairhurst agreed with the majority that charter schools aren’t common schools, but argued in a partial dissenting opinion that the state “can constitutionally support charter schools through the general fund.” -The Seattle Times

Shouldn’t we explore any and all areas for opportunity for growth and improvement in the public education system? Shouldn’t we welcome new challenges? When there is a waitlist for charter schools, don’t we owe it to the children to ensure everyone has that opportunity? I mean isn’t that what this is all about anyway: the kids?

I still wholeheartedly do not like the fact that this means funds are diverted from public schools who also need them, and it sets a dangerous precedence for what public schools could become (i.e. the “bad” option), but the answer is not by remaining stagnant, we need radical reform and we need it now.