Charter schools under attack in Michigan

State Board of Education going after charter schools

LANSING, Mich - Michigan State Board of Education's New Resolution Criticized for Hindering School Choice Labelled as an initiative for better transparency, the resolution is seen as a threat to the existence of charter schools in Michigan.

On April 11, 2024, it was reported that the Michigan State Board of Education has endorsed a resolution potentially transforming the charter school landscape in Michigan under the banner of "transparency."

Click here to read more from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

The resolution, announced on April 10, proposes legislative changes granting the Michigan Department of Education, under the board's jurisdiction, the authority to regulate the establishment and growth of charter schools. Such decisions would be contingent upon discussions with the local districts where the charter schools are planned, raising concerns over the potential bias against charter school approvals given their competition with traditional district schools.

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Traditionally, charter schools in Michigan have been initiated through collaborations between local parents and higher education institutions, such as public universities and community colleges. This grassroots approach could be undermined by the new resolution, which aims to centralize decision-making power within the state Department of Education, essentially allowing it to overrule local preferences and initiatives.

State School Board member Mitchell Robinson read the resolution at a recent meeting:

Critics argue that the board's stance is indicative of an underlying opposition to school choice. Mitchell Robinson, who championed the resolution, has previously expressed satisfaction with what he termed the demise of the charter school "experiment," drawing controversial comparisons between public charter schools and private prisons. This sentiment is echoed by several other board members who have shown skepticism towards various educational choices including charter, private, and homeschooling.

Dr. Molly Macek, the Director of Education Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, voiced concerns over the board's attempt to restrict educational alternatives that many parents are actively seeking. She likened the scenario to a situation where one supermarket chain could block the entry of another, highlighting the inherent conflict of interest and its detrimental impact on student and family welfare.

Listen to one board member talk about why this resolution is a good idea:

The justification of enhancing transparency by the board is being questioned, as charter schools already adhere to the same transparency requirements as other public schools. Charter schools, often catering to a higher proportion of economically disadvantaged and minority students, have shown positive academic outcomes, especially for these groups. The choice of parents to send their children to charter schools, underscored by high levels of satisfaction, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse range of educational options.