Twelve Years Later: Charter Schools Still Fighting in New Mexico

In 1999, the New Mexico legislature passed the Charter School Act in a bipartisan effort.  This legislation sponsored in the Senate by Senator Mark Boitano (R) and Senator Richard Romero (D), and in the House by Bob Perls (D) allowed parents, educators, community members, administrators, or anyone else who thought they had an idea to "provide education in a new and innovative way that would improve student learning" the opportunity to begin their own school. 

The legislation was not without critics.  Some believed that allowing parents to “opt out” would drain funds from the traditional school system.  Others worried that once the door to school choice was opened, it could never be closed.  Others truly believed that the current educational system was doing a great job and that there was no reason to change.

What has happened in the twelve years since? New Mexico has experienced a slow, but steady increase in the number of charter school options provided to parents.  (Although this growth will be under attack again this year as legislation is expected that will place a moratorium on any new programs, including new charter schools during the upcoming session.)  On a percentage basis, more charter schools make AYP in New Mexico than traditional schools.  Charter schools have higher graduation rates than their traditional school colleagues.  Charters continue to serve specific geographic, pedagogical, or at-risk student populations. And, according to the New Mexico Coalition of Charter Schools, more than 7,000 students statewide sit on waiting lists – waiting for the day when their “number or name” finally gets pulled. At the Southwest Learning Center, we currently maintain a waiting list in excess of 3600 students!

Despite the success of charters, the traditional public school establishment and their legislative protectors continue to wage a war against school choice, charter schools, and the parents who choose them.  The bureaucracy continues to protect the worst of the worst.  For example, the teachers’ unions have provided more protections than any other organized labor force.  Figures cited in Waiting for Superman, show that in Illinois, 1 in 57 doctors lose their license annually and 1 in 97 attorney’s lose the right to practice; yet, only 1 in 2500 teachers have ever lost their teaching credentials! The result is our traditional schools continue to slip.  In 1970, the United States produced 30 percent of the world’s college graduates.  Today the United States produces less than 15%.

So, who is responsible for this?  Legislators are quick to call for more accountability and openness. Yet, one not live in New Mexico long before you recognize that what one says, and what one actually does, are two completely different things!  We are going to start holding people accountable and we need your help!  Twelve years later charter schools should not be fighting for their very existence every year.  Charter schools should be focused on teaching and learning – not on remaining a viable alternative to the traditional school system.  If a charter school is not performing, free market forces will close that school down – and it should be closed down.  After all, our agreement is that kids will learn.

Therefore, we are trying to recruit an independent group of parents and community members to evaluate legislation introduced in Santa Fe, follow the votes of Senators and Representatives in committees and on the floor, and issue a graded report card for every legislator based on their record of supporting alternative educational options for parents.  These report cards will then be made public -prior to elections – so the general public can truly choose representatives that represent their wishes.

If this sounds like something that may be of interest to you, please call LJ Moore at 296-7677 and ask to be included.  Together, we can make a difference and bring transparency and accountability to our elected officials!