Teachers union gets it wrong again on charter schools

Jesse Sharkey of the Chicago Teachers Union gets it wrong again in explaining why charter public school teachers are threatening to strike. CTU’s continued effort to politicize charter public schools is a disservice to charter school teachers who work tirelessly to educate 57,000 Chicago children.

CTU alleges that charters are funded at 8 percent higher than district-operated schools. This is simply false. A recent national study found that Chicago charter schools actually receive 14 percent less than district counterparts.

Years of underfunding and budget cuts have forced charter schools to take on debt to fund facilities. Charter public schools are independent financial entities and must be able to continue operations, even when funding is inadequate. Unlike the district, charters have limited access to capital markets and must secure facilities themselves. Despite these challenges, charters have more social workers, instructional coaches and college counselors to support students.

CTU leaders claim that charter teachers are underpaid, yet CTU has fought legislation that would allow charters to close the wage gap. Complaining about a problem that one created is further evidence that the CTU is not interested in solving a very real resource challenge.

Charters are proud to be part of the Chicago public school system, contributing to increased graduation rates and postsecondary success. By imposing the same restrictions on charter’s length of school day, curriculum, and staffing, CTU seeks to eliminate reasons why families select charters in the first place. Chicago families deserve better.

Andrew Broy, president, Illinois Network of Charter Schools

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