NEW CASTLE —
In today’s world, a quality education is increasingly important.
That’s true not only for the individual, but for the nation as a whole. Competing effectively in the international marketplace requires a workforce that’s skilled and knowledgeable in key areas.
But in survey after survey, American students appear to be also-rans when it comes to rankings among industrialized nations in math, science and other fields.
The data has generated a range of concerns across the political spectrum, with various reforms put forward. While many carry a degree of controversy, they are designed to either add more money and intensity into education, or else stimulate competition intended to pressure underperforming schools to do better.
In Pennsylvania, charter schools are a key component of this competitive effort. They come in various forms. Many, such as one for arts and language being proposed in New Castle, are designed to appeal to specific areas of interest. Others seek to approach learning from different perspectives, including so-called cyber schools — where much of education is conducted online.
But while the number of charter schools in Pennsylvania is growing, they remain something of an experiment. As you may surmise, their success can be as variable as that found in regular public schools. And studies about their effectiveness to date reveal a mixed bag.
Meanwhile, budget matters in Harrisburg are prompting extra scrutiny on charter schools, particularly in terms of the funding they receive. Students who enter charter schools take their state subsidies with them, cutting funds to local districts.
However, charter schools — and especially cyber schools that have no physical buildings to maintain — tend to have lower costs than traditional public schools. What’s done with the extra money is raising questions. And in at least one instance, with a cyber school in Beaver County, the curiosity of federal investigators has been aroused.
Taxpayers pour a lot of money into education. They deserve to get the most out of that investment. At the state level, that means lawmakers must work to devise a balance that encourages innovation, while demanding fiscal accountability from both traditional schools and their charter counterparts.
As time passes, and research is better able to assess the success of charter schools, it may be possible to identify methods that achieve better results. If charter schools can advance educational efforts, they warrant strong support.
But it’s not too soon to demand that charter schools be fiscally accountable. Throwing extra money at education doesn’t make it better.
Editorials
Our Opinion: State must ensure funds aimed at education hit their mark
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Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
Audit information about non-resident students who didn’t pay tuition at New Castle raises more questions than it answers. At least so far. We expect more details when the Pennsylvania auditor general’s office completes its report and the New Castle school district provides its response.
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Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
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Our Opinion: Privatization of county jail is worthy of examination
Generally speaking, we support government efforts to seek more efficient ways to provide essential services. So we have no problem with the decision by the Lawrence County commissioners to solicit proposals for the private operation of the county jail.
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Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
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Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
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Our Opinion: Our endorsements for City Council race
The city of New Castle needs help. Financially distressed and operating under Pennsylvania’s Act 47, New Castle must find ways to reverse its population loss and fiscal challenges.
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Our Opinion: Court frowns on gerrymandering, but only slightly
Pennsylvania legislators have received the green light to put their own political interests ahead of yours. That’s a key point in the latest Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on legislative apportionment in the commonwealth.
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Our Opinion: Study says distracted driving deaths are under reported
Suppose you operated a piece of heavy machinery at your job. And suppose it’s machinery that moves quickly with little effort. What would happen if you decided to take one hand off that equipment — while it was still in motion — and instead focused your attention on a telephone call?
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Our Opinion: Senate seeks to give states more taxing power
Congress is taking a stab at tax fairness. At least, where states are concerned. If you’re looking for meaningful reform of the federal tax code, that’s going to have to wait.
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Our Opinion: Look at handling of bombing suspects is warranted
We welcome an investigation into the handling of intelligence related to suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing. That probe may reveal little of value.
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Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
