Charter takeover: We have doubts about letting private companies run schools

State lawmakers have approved a measure that would call on charter school operators to take over poor performing public elementary schools.

The bill has gone to Gov. Pat McCrory for his signature.

We have our doubts about the move.

Proponents say that only companies with proven success rates will be chosen. They say the change is necessary to help students who attend schools where they have little chance of academic success.

But other states that have gone this route have checkered records to show for their efforts. And we have concerns about allowing private companies to take over public schools. Privatization of government-run operations works in some instances, but we don't know of any proof that it would work in this case.

Gov. McCrory should think long and hard before signing the bill into law.

Published in Editorials on July 1, 2016 10:16 AM