I am concerned about the growth, transparency, and accountability of charter schools in Texas. More and more charter schools are opening, and in many cases, they get more per-pupil funding than surrounding districts. However, charters on the whole have not been proven to have better outcomes than independent school districts. Even more alarming is the fact that charters are not required to adhere to many of the same state regulations that public schools must follow. Plus, charter schools do not have to accept all students that apply, even if they have room in their classrooms. I am asking you to halt the rapid growth of charter schools and hold publicly funded charter schools accountable.

I find it troubling that privately-operated charter schools are not held to the same standards as Texas public schools, yet they often receive more per-student funding than their neighboring school districts. Here are some of my concerns about charter schools: - Charters spend more money on administration and pay teachers less. - They are rapidly expanding with no accountability to local taxpayers. - Their governing boards are self-selected, not locally elected. Please take these concerns into account when considering legislation around charter schools. We must hold these schools accountable for our young people, the future of Texas.