Support the CHARTER Act: Protect Public Education

Recent analysis by Texas AFT has revealed the growing financial strain of charter school expansion on Texas public schools. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, Texas public school districts are estimated to have lost over $3.6 billion in revenue due to charter transfers, affecting at least 325 districts across the state.

As unchecked charter expansion continues to drain resources from our public schools, it's crucial that we act to ensure transparency and accountability in the charter industry. That's why Texas AFT is joining the Network for Public Education (NPE) in supporting the federal CHARTER Act (HR 8886), introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3).

What is the CHARTER Act?

The CHARTER Act would prevent federal funds from being awarded to charter schools that contract with for-profit entities for operations, oversight, or management. This reform would have the following effects:

• Ensure that every charter school complies with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Bring greater transparency to the charter industry

• Direct more tax dollars to classrooms by closing loopholes exploited by profiteers

Why It Matters

For too long, for-profit corporations have been allowed to operate in the shadows, running charter schools as facades to sweep in federal and local taxpayer dollars. These entities profit at the expense of our children and communities by:

• Controlling low-cost storefront schools

• Operating low-quality online schools

• Leasing their real estate to the charters they run

Their intent and purpose is clear: to cash in on kids at taxpayers' expense. The CHARTER Act would put a stop to these practices and ensure that education funding goes where it belongs - to our students and classrooms.

Take Action

We urge all concerned Texans to write to their members of Congress, asking them to support the CHARTER Act and sign on as co-sponsors. Your voice can make a difference in protecting public education and ensuring that our tax dollars are used effectively for our students.

Click here to send a letter to your representative now.

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