Charter School Challenges & Triumphs — Peter Bezanson // BASIS Educational Ventures

Show Notes

• 01:16
  How charter schools differ from traditional public schools

  Charter schools like BASIS are chosen by students and their families based on the school's unique offerings. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools can offer an above grade level curriculum, resulting in distinct academic outcomes compared to traditional public schools.
• 04:01
  Charter schools and public funding

  Charter schools receive less public funding per pupil in comparison to traditional district schools. The funding disparity is driven by charter schools inability to access local property tax money and limited facility funding.
• 06:05
  Charter schools and the value of philanthropic partners

  Charter schools have significant special needs and underserved populations. For charter schools to continue to serve these at-risk students, philanthropic support is crucial as federal and state funding are typically far less than the cost to educate these students.
• 08:23
  Flexibility in staffing at charter schools

  Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools are not obligated to hire certified teachers. This allows them to bring in subject experts with advanced degrees in the relevant fields, a key factor contributing to the success of high-performing charter schools.
• 09:56
  The challenge of securing facilities for charter schools

  The primary obstacle to charter school expansion is the challenge of securing facilities. Rising commercial real estate costs, increased interest rates, construction expenses, and the unwillingness to rent unused district school buildings to charter schools make growth difficult.
• 12:03
  Public school system support for charter schools

  Charter schools diminish public school student counts, impacting their business model and resources. While Washington DC has regulated a balance between charter and district schools, in-district charter schools havent had much success or longevity.