The state’s top education official says lawmakers should stop allowing new charter schools to open in Michigan. State Superintendent Mike Flanagan told state lawmakers today a moratorium on charter school creation would help stabilize traditional public schools – especially ones in high-poverty areas.
“I think until we get a handle on some of the serious transparency issues and some of the policies that need to be updated regarding charter schools, it’s extremely reasonable to suggest we should have a moratorium,” said state Rep. Brandon Dillon, D-Grand Rapids.
But the Republican-dominated Legislature is very unlikely to embrace the idea.
“I mean, our charters are showing great educational opportunities and, more importantly, choices for parents,” said state Sen. Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair Twp. Pavlov chairs the Senate Education Committee.
Republicans and some Democrats say a moratorium would take away quality alternatives for families in areas with the worst public schools.
The superintendent does not have the authority to implement a moratorium on charter schools.
