Tampa, Florida - If given the choice, 9th grader Daniel Rosa says instead of returning to a traditional public school, he would stay at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, an A school for two consecutive years.
"Not only is it a small school, but teachers help me a lot," says Daniel.
"Charter schools were started so parents would have a choice," says Principal Kristine Bennett.
Bennett says that choice lacks equal funding. Senate Bill 1852 would change that, forcing school districts to share property tax dollars with charter schools to use for construction.
Bennett says, "That kind of bill would ensure equitable funding for all students."
The bill's timing is perfect for Brooks DeBartolo. It has a growing waiting list in the 10th grade and has reached its capacity of 300 students. The school is moving this summer to a church building off Central and Fowler Avenue in Tampa, where it can expand to 500 students. The building has a gym, a field for athletics and room for more class space.
Bennett says, "It would enable us through capital funds for those types of building projects and renovations, such as fully equipped labs, technology labs and science equipment that is so needed for our kids."
The bill would also allow high performing charter schools to increase student enrollment by up to 15% and add three new charter schools each year. With each student a traditional school loses to a charter school, it also loses more than $6,200 in taxpayer money.
"The strain is we have limited resources," says Steve Hegarty, spokesperson for the Hillsborough School District. Hegarty says with 10 more charters schools expected to open in the district this fall, the bill would leave less money to maintain all schools.
"One of the concerns is the pot is only so big. If you keep dividing it into more pieces, it means less maintenance on the traditional schools we have now," says Hegarty.
Charter schools in Florida have seen amazing growth over the years. In 1996, there were five charter schools, compared to 517 schools today. Since 2000, enrollment has grown from more than 40,000 students and is now approaching 200,000.
As for student achievement, an eight-year study of FCAT scores shows overall, charter school students outperformed traditional public school students in 58 of 63 areas and tied in one.
When broken down by ethnic groups, the achievement gap between white, African-American and Hispanic students is lower than in traditional public schools.
Isabel Mascarenas