The SRC also put on hold the renewal of Philadelphia Academy Charter School while the district's inspector general investigates charges of financial mismanagement and nepotism. The schools will remain open during the lengthy renewal process.

We hope this signals the promised new era of closer scrutiny and oversight of charters, which, given the current public investment of $275 million, is welcome.

We're less hopeful that the charters will welcome this accountability, based on their response to the SRC decision, in which they sniffed that it was "like McDonald's supervising Burger King."

What's with these charters and their supporters who seem to view themselves as private public schools that should answer to no one?

Charters, with smaller class sizes and more freedom than district-run schools, are public schools, funded with public money. They are a great addition to the realm of educational choices, but they are not sacrosanct. In fact, many recent studies suggest that the performance of their students is only marginally better, if at all, than those in regular public schools.

Since the Pennsylvania Charter School Law of 1997, no Philadelphia charter has been closed through the nonrenewal process. One closed voluntarily in 2003.

The school district - and its students - have more to gain with strong charters. The SRC only strengthens charters by shutting down poorly operated or failing schools. The charters should get over their notion of entitlement and focus on academic success. *