The 74 Million – Carolyn Phenicie
“The U.S. Department of Education is doling out more than $150 million in grants to help boost charter schools at the same time as officials are asking states to keep a closer eye on charters’ finances and management practices. “Amazing charter schools simply cannot remain outliers. They are a powerful demonstration of the achievements possible when students are given real opportunity,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said on a call with reporters Monday afternoon. The department will give $125 million to eight states and the District of Columbia, and $32 million to 12 charter management groups. The department released a “Dear Colleague” letter in conjunction with the grants, reminding state education departments that they have a role in ensuring federal funds accessed by charters “are used for intended, appropriate purposes.” “We still see too many reports of unscrupulous or sloppy behavior” from charter operators and authorizers, Duncan said. Increased oversight by states is both “exactly what our children deserve” and a prudent way to allocate scarce tax dollars, he said.”(more)