VIRGINIA

Allison Padavan

Legislative History
        Supporters of charter schools in Virginia reflect the 
same point of view as those in Florida and for the  same 
reasons.  They feel that charter schools are more responsive 
to community needs, more accountable, facilitate more 
involvement of parents and teachers, and foster competition 
in a given school district, thereby helping strictly public 
schools to do better. 
Critics cite the issues of elitism, segregation between 
students of different socioeconomic backgrounds and a 
diversion of money from regular schools (The Virginia Pilot 
and The Ledger Star, 1/5/95).
The Virginia School Boards Association and the Virginia 
Association of School superintendents both voted against the 
creation of charter schools.  In stating their opposition 
they emphasized concerns of potential financial disparity 
between the current public schools and proposed charter 
schools. They feel if certain schools should be freed from 
specific rules and requirements as a way of stimulating 
quality education then all schools should be given the same 
prerogatives.
Legislation creating charter schools was introduced in both 
the Virginia Senate and the General Assembly at the request 
of Governor George Allen. While the State Board of Education 
has not come out in favor of the measure, many of its members 
have indicated general but conditional support of the 
concept.  Various members question the potential of increased 
disparity among students, the education of special education 
children as well as the need to have discrimination 
prohibitions clearly spelled out in the law.
Despite the comprehensive content of the legislation and the 
Governor's strong support, both houses of the legislator have 
decided not to debate the issue during the 1995 session.  The 
Senate and the House of Delegates voted to refer the proposal 
to a one year study. Five delegates and four senators will 
have been appointed to study charter schools. (Roanoke Times 
and World News, 2/3/95).
Although the Senate sponsor of the bill is from Roanoke, his 
enthusiasm for the legislation is not shared by the 
relatively large Roanoke school district.  Their opposition 
centers about a number of  key charter school issues: 
potential for reduction in public school funding, elitism, 
costs of transportation, teacher certification, and a 
potential for lower teacher wages, and appropriate 
educational assessment measures (Roanoke Times and World New 
2/4/95).
On the other side of the issue, the Secretary of Education 
for Virginia, Beverly H. Sgro, citing her alliance with 
Governor Allen, strongly supports charter schools.  Her 
reasons are highlighted by the need for meaningful reform of 
education and a recommendation from the Governor's Commission 
on Champion Schools, a group of 53 Virginians representing 
various professions and interests.  She makes it clear that 
the Governor's bill ensures that all educational standards 
will be met specifically in math, science, and social 
studies.  In addition, safety, health, and civil rights laws 
must be adhered to.
Secretary Sgro outlines step by step all of the positive 
aspects for charter schools, including increased academic 
potential, flexibility and accountability, and better 
opportunities for students with special needs and interests.  
She refutes those who feel funding losses to public schools 
might occur and highlights the value of competition between 
charter and public schools.
In response to the earlier criticism from the Roanoke 
district with regard to teacher certification requirements, 
she points out the values of allowing charter schools to 
invite professionals such as engineers to teach math and a 
"retired symphony conductor to teach music (Roanoke Times and 
World News 2/4/95)."
One of the few administrators in Virginia to support charter 
schools is Portsmouth School's Superintendent Richard 
Trumble. In differing with the association he belongs to, he 
echoes all the positive reasons outlined by Secretary Sgro 
with special emphasis on the targeting of gifted students and 
learning disabled students.
Another supporter is Michelle Easton, a member of the 
Virginia State Board of Education.  In countering the elitist 
charges she points out since wealthy parents already have the 
ability to place their children in private upscale schools, 
why shouldn't poor parents have the same opportunity to 
improve the quality of their children's' education.
Others who feel charters schools would lead to a dismantling 
of public schools include school teachers, a number of 
legislators in both houses, and the Virginia Conference of 
the NAACP, which raised the issue of resegregation.

Salient points of the bill
        The bill, introduced on Jan. 23, 1995, was referred in 
both houses to the Committees on education and is similar to 
charter school laws currently in effect in other states such 
as Minnesota: It provides for the submission of a proposal to 
local school boards to include a mission statement, goals and 
performance standards, evidence of parental and teacher 
support, a statement of need and a description of governance.  
Anti discrimination standards are clearly stated and schools 
must be nonsectarian.  If a local school board rejects an 
application an appeal may be made to the court having 
jurisdiction.
State and local funds would be allocated on the same basis as 
public schools including federal money for disabled pupils.  
Enrollment would be open to any child residing in the 
district and may be open to children outside the district if 
desired.

Conclusions
        Virginia seems to be more divided over the issue of 
charter schools than many other states.  There are strong 
members to both the proponent and opponent sides.  As 
evidenced by the legislators' call for a one year study of 
the issue, it is clear that many conflicts need to be 
resolved before the state can begin to think of passing the 
bill and allowing any charter status to be granted.