As Charter Fans Fret About Trump’s Support, Leaders Warn Funding Boost Not a Done Deal
The charter schools movement has been faced with an existential crisis lately. Advocates are grappling with how to respond to the public support from President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, while also dealing with policies that are opposed by many in the movement.
At the National Charter Schools Convention this week, advocates urged attendees to focus on Trump’s 2018 budget. The budget proposes increasing the federal charter schools program to $500 million, but also makes significant cuts to other education programs. However, it is important to note that the proposed increase is not guaranteed.
Erik Fatemi, a former staff member for Democrats on the Appropriations committee and now a lobbyist with Cornerstone Government Affairs, warned attendees that the proposed increase is not certain. Nina Rees, the president and CEO of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools, also cautioned against taking support from either party for granted, emphasizing that Democrats are hesitant to be associated with anything Trump likes.
DeVos herself, in her remarks to the conference, advised charter advocates to embrace a broader view of school choice and innovation. Rees expressed concern that if Democrats are unwilling to support Trump and Republicans do not prioritize charter schools, the movement may be left out of important decisions.
The lobbyists at the conference reminded attendees that members from both parties have criticized Trump’s budget, and congressional members are inclined to overlook many aspects of the president’s proposed education budget.
The situation on Capitol Hill is described as unsettled and tense, with no agreement on the total amount to be spent on all programs for fiscal 2018. Congress is also faced with the decision of raising the federal debt ceiling while dealing with spending cuts. The ongoing investigations into Russia’s involvement in the election and potential ties to the Trump campaign, as well as legislative battles over health care and tax policies, add to the complexity of the legislative process.
Lindsay Fryer, a former aide to Senate education committee chairman Lamar Alexander, predicted that lawmakers would reach a grand bargain in the fall to raise the debt limit and allocate funds for defense and non-defense spending. This would set the stage for an omnibus spending bill incorporating multiple appropriations bills by December, which would further complicate the funding and policy discussion.
The fate of the additional $167 million in charter funding will largely depend on whether it is a critical priority for the president. It remains to be seen if it will be a deciding factor in whether he signs an appropriations bill.
Speakers at the conference encouraged attendees to continue advocating for charter schools, preferably by inviting members of Congress or their staff to visit schools. They emphasized that personal opinions about the White House should not hinder efforts to do what is best for students. It is crucial to remain active and vocal, ensuring that the White House and Congress understand the importance of equitable funding for public charter schools and access to school choice for families.
Overall, speakers from different political backgrounds were well-received at the conference, indicating that the charter school movement is more committed than ever to making a difference in the lives of students and families.
Receive stories like these directly in your email inbox. Subscribe to Newsletter for effortless delivery.