Plan would limit charter schools' independence

If a proposed amendment to the charter-school policy is approved by the School Reform Commission this fall, the city's charter schools will be one step closer to losing their independence, a charter-school official said yesterday at a public hearing.

Nearly 30 representatives from the city's 60 charter schools gathered last night at the Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School, on Broad Street near Spring Garden, to speak against the amendment, which would peg charter schools' requests for increased enrollment or additional grades to their renewal application.

Currently, the schools, whose charters generally are up for renewal every five years, can request changes to enrollment or grade configuration at any time.

Critics say the amendment would institute what they call an illegal cap on charter-school growth and limit options to parents and students.

David Rossi, chief executive of Esperanza Academy Charter School, cited a 2008 Commonwealth Court case as proof that the district's attempts to enforce caps are unlawful.

In a 4-to-1 decision, the court ruled that the Chester-Upland school district lacked legal authority to impose limits on charter-school enrollment.

Philadelphia charter-school officials say that the proposal would violate that ruling.

"The law is clear," Rossi said during the public forum, which was hosted by the district's charter, partnership and new schools office. "With all of these facts before you one must wonder what the motive and intent of this proposed policy is."

Benjamin Rayer, who oversees charters for the district, said he welcomed feedback but declined to comment on the amendment. SRC Commissioner Johnny Irizarry said he'll also take recommendations into consideration, but declined to comment further.

Before the meeting, Joseph Proietta, president of the charter Community Academy of Philadelphia, applauded the district's plan to create a set standard, but lashed out against its one-sided efforts.

"The district administration proves over and over again its disdain for free and independent charter schools and that it will destroy anything it cannot control," he said.

Lawrence Jones, president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools, agreed.

"We have offered to put the meal together, but we're just offered what was cooked," he said.

However, Jones noted: "We're not asking not to be held accountable," Jones said. "We're held accountable by federal, state and local mandates."

To be considered for increased enrollment or additional grades charters would be required to demonstrate adequacy in nine areas, including sufficient staffing, curriculum changes and a five-year financial plan that will support the added numbers.

Charters also must make Adequate Yearly Progress - as defined under the No Child Left Behind Act - for more than one year.

Rossi said sets a double standard.

"If the same criteria were applied to neighborhood district schools that this charter-school policy sets, none of the 31 of the neighborhood district schools would meet the mark," he said.

Proietta said that the district should also look at standardized tests, graduation rates, attendance and accreditation, among other measures.

More than half of the city's charter schools made Adequate Yearly Progress, 72 percent of charters met state standards under No Child Left Behind Act, compared to the district's 44 percent.

Last month, the School Reform Commission permitted three charters to add grades this academic year with the understanding they must meet the requirements included in the policy, should it be adopted.

The Eugenio Maria DeHostos Charter School, on 5th Street near St. Pauls, K to 4, added two grades. The First Philadelphia Charter School, on Tacony Street near Church, K to 6, starting enrolling seventh- and eighth-graders. The Leadership and Learning Partners Charter School, K to 8, on 6th Street near Poplar, now goes up to 11th grade.

To read a draft of the proposed policy or to post questions or comments, go to www.philasd.org /charterpolicy.