Font ResizeUtah's cap on charter schools will hurt the state when it comes to competing for new federal education reform dollars.
States that put artificial caps on public charter school growth will "jeopardize their applications" under the so-called "Race to the Top Fund," money aimed at reforming America's lowest-performing schools, said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
In a press statement, Duncan emphasized the need for autonomy for charters combined with "rigorous" approval process and high performance standards.
"I am advocating for using whatever models work for students, and particularly where improvements have stagnated for years," Duncan said. "We cannot continue to do that same thing and expect different results."
Applications for the $4.35 billion education reform fund are due this summer. Winners will be announced by the end of the year.
Utah plans to apply for a "significant" amount of money, said new state Supt. Larry Shumway, without providing details. Asked whether he supports removing Utah's cap, Shumway said, "That's up to the State Board of Education."
Under state law, only 1.4 percent of the total student population can attend public charter schools.
The cap doesn't present a problem now; applications for new charters have slowed due to the tough economy, said State Charter School Board president Brian Allen.
Allen wants the cap gone, but says that's unlikely unless the Legislature figures
Charter schools can't tap into property tax revenue, which means they pose more of a burden on already lean state coffers, said Allen. "We need to fix the funding and then take the cap off."
Utah is among 26 states with caps. Another 10 states don't even allow public charter schools.
