The fact of the matter is the legislature made a way for parents to have a choice with charter school statute. Charter schools, like ours, are founded and run by parents who want the most bang for their buck. Every dollar goes toward maximizing academics.

In an ideal world there would be no schools who enroll kids outside their districts unrestricted. If parents need more choices they should go through the process of establishing a charter school. It is a lot of work but it’s very rewarding and allows for great freedom.

Regarding faith-based materials, we allow parents to use them. A student’s learning plan is tied to standards so it doesn’t matter what materials are used as long as learning standards are reached. Of course, parents must pay for sectarian mat’ls. We firmly believe this is what Alaska state statute upholds and are surprised none of the statewide schools has challenged that reg.

My sources for information? I’ve served in a governance capacity for 2 charters here in Anchorage over the last 10 years so I’ve had a lot of experience in this area especially because we have to compete with statewide schools. The data regarding statewide school revenue and spending come from the State DEED and were made public in their Sept. 2007 work session.

How can kids be best served through these programs?

Where do you stand on faith-based materials?

PS: From what source comes your information concerning statewide correspondence schools?