http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/09/charter_schools_cry_foul_over.htmlCharter schools cry foul over rules that force most to refund thousands in new federal aid
Published: Friday, September 10, 2010, 5:33 AM Updated: Friday, September 10, 2010, 7:22 AM
Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press
Most Michigan charter schools are getting a slice of the $10 billion "edujobs" money to hire back teachers. But many will have to return the cash because their employees
technically work for private management companies.
Critics say that's another sign the federal law signed last money is more of a teachers union bailout than a boost to education.
And charter school groups fear setting a precedent, treating their schools differently as lawmakers start planning the next version of the No Child Left Behind Act.
"Do I think the unions were in the room when the language was being written, and that this is a shot across the bow? Absolutely," said Gary Naeyaert, vice president for public relations and legislative affairs for the Michigan Association of Public School Academies.
"Little Johnny in third grade shouldn't be suffering because he goes to a school that chooses to use a business model other than the one the teachers unions want. Why are 90,000 students being punished?"
Michigan schools would get $318 million, and the state House recently voted to send districts $188 per student. West Michigan charters would get money ranging from a high of $154,348 for Black River Academy in Holland -- which would not be affected -- to $26,636 for Wavecrest Career Academy, also in Holland.
Michigan's 243 charter schools, like the districts, will get the money, Naeyaert said. But federal guidelines on how the money can be spent will force about 80 percent of the charters to send the money back.
The U.S. Education Department rules allow money to be spent on employees who work directly for a district. Workers who are contracted, or outsourced, are not eligible.
The vast majority of state charter school teachers technically work for management companies such as National Heritage Academies and the Leona Group, rather than the charter school boards.
National Heritage, based in Grand Rapids, manages 61 charter schools nationwide and 10 in West Michigan would take the largest hit, since virtually all of the employees in its schools work for the company.more...
Don't miss the comments below the article. Here's my fav:
Geprge2k10 September 10, 2010 at 9:16AM
The publicly employed teachers were going to be LAID OFF if the money was not provided. I see nothing in this story about how these privately funded corporations will have to lay off some of their teachers if they do not get this money.
They are complaining about their profits going down. Tough. Them come up with a better business model. You are already underaying your teaching staff by opting out of the State pension system.
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