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

Peter Bezanson, Co-Chairman and CEO at BASIS Educational Ventures, delves into the BASIS Model’s transformation of charter school education. Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and with more flexibility in curriculum than public schools. While they receive public funding, charter schools also have to rely on philanthropic support, as they receive less per-pupil funding than traditional public schools. Today, Peter discusses charter school challenges and triumphs.
About the speaker

Peter Bezanson

BASIS Educational Ventures

- BASIS Educational Ventures

Peter Bezanson is Co-Chairman and CEO at 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.

Quotes

  • "The federal and state funding provided to a charter school to serve a student with a disability tends to be less significantly than the amount it costs to educate that student." - Peter Bezanson

  • "Each charter school ends up being a school for students who choose it because of who it is." - Peter Bezanson

  • "The freedom to hire non-certified teachers is essential for the success of high performing charter schools." - Peter Bezanson

  • "The average school that a charter builds is probably $25 to $40 million. So, the biggest impediment to growth is the lack of facilities. " - Peter Bezanson." - Peter Bezanson

  • "Washington DC made a decision that they want about 50% of their schools to be charters and 50% to be districts." - Peter Bezanson

About the speaker

Peter Bezanson

BASIS Educational Ventures

- BASIS Educational Ventures

Peter Bezanson is Co-Chairman and CEO at BASIS Educational Ventures

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