Evidence shows we should be trying more charter schools

As reported in the Sun this week, the State Board of Education analyzing data from the 2022-23 school year noted superior test results achieved by charter schools vs. other public schools despite enrollments favoring Black, Hispanic and disadvantaged students from low-income households. The most favorable outcomes in test scores was seen in both math and language skills.

Noteworthy is that the cost per student in public schools generally throughout Washington State is $18,354/ student yet the public charter schools receive but $1,500/ student in state funding, the remainder being funded privately. This disparity in funding is truly appalling and reflects the power of the public school teachers union in restricting charter school development to only 18 such schools in Washington State, one of which is Catalyst Public School here in Bremerton.

School choice is an idea whose time has come. Is it not time this matter be more fully addressed in Washington State?

Paul S. McCullough, Bremerton

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Evidence shows we should be trying more charter schools