Schools for rent and profits

Charter schools are public schools without registration. According to the Florida Department of Education, they are also among the fastest growing school choice option in the state. There is a commitment to the highest accountability standards, while exercising freedom from the traditional publication of public school.

In 2001, there were 40,465 Sunshine Students State enrolled in charter schools. Ten years later there are 154,780; Placing Florida ranking as No. 3 in the nation to offer this school option option. Of these students, 63% were minorities with 35% of those that are composed of Hispanic students. The report of the Charter Performance ratings of 2010 indicated that of the 274 charter schools, 57% obtained a rating, 14% was B, 15% was C, 8% D and 6% F.

Often, these schools are created from an individual, group of parents, teachers, business or a city that believes in the concept of increasing learning opportunities through innovation. A performance contract called “Charter” is developed and presented before the District School Board. Once the details are developed and agreed, the school is sponsored by that school district. The contract details the expected academic and financial performance, but basically it works autonomously.

It should be declared that public financing for charter schools is not 100% FTE (full-time equivalent). A report at the State University of Ball last year concluded that Florida Charter schools receive up to 30% less than traditional public schools with the school district that pockets the balance. The school district can also easily close, if it does not meet the performance results of agreed students in the Charter, it does not comply with the generally accepted standards of fiscal management, violates the law or shows another good cause (Fldoe, 2012).

However, despite these facts and explosive growth of the popularity of charter schools in the last ten years, strong objections continue against them. The last thing has to do with the gain of words “P”. Critics have asked: “How can the benefits of taxpayers dollars?” or worse, “How can we get profits from the back of children?”

They have a board of directors and main at its center, which oversees the policies, procedures and education of students. However, approximately 70% of Charter schools in Florida also have for-profit management companies that provide operational support, such as accounting, insurance issues and staff personnel services. Often, these companies also use their own risk capital (money from private investors) to buy facilities for the school or help with the start-up expenses. This can amount to multi-million dollar commitments.

What is the driving force behind any business or financial investment? To efficiently operate at the lowest possible cost to maximize profits. It should be remembered that for decades companies have benefited from the world of education. Simply look at the test companies, building consultants, education consultants and textbook firms. The list is endless. School districts have routinely subcontracted services with for-profit firms.

Money allows schools to improve everything from technology to the evaluation of students, and this can be expensive. Performance management companies bring money to the table in the form of venture capital (sale of stock). Investors want to see this money used with Sage, and this leads to directing a charter school as a business. Efficiency, cost savings, service and results are converted into essential parts in the operation of the educational institution. And yes, benefit is made to pay investors who believed at school. If the for-profit management firm does not comply with promises within its contract, it will not survive beyond the term of your contract with the Charter School. The responsibility is always present.