Duncan: Maine at 'disadvantage' for charters ban

Submitted by Matthew Stone on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 14:03

States like Maine that don’t allow charter schools are putting themselves at a “competitive disadvantage” when it comes to applying for education reform funds, the country’s top education official said Monday.

The 10 states that do not allow charter schools and the 26 that put caps on the number they allow will endanger their chances for awards from a $4.35 billion education innovation fund that’s part of the federal economic stimulus package, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said.

"They put themselves at a competitive disadvantage for the largest pool of dollars states have ever had access to," Duncan said during a conference call with reporters.

The education secretary’s statements came as Maine’s two legislative chambers are at odds with each other over allowing the independently run, public schools. The Maine Senate last Thursday rejected a bill that would allow charter schools. The following day House members voted in favor of it.

“We want to invest in states that push a reform agenda," Duncan said.

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I agree totally.  The MEA, at

Submitted by elizabeth Miller on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 20:17.

I agree totally.  The MEA, at both state and local levels, reinforces an outmoded mentality that represents the worst of antiquated unions:  squashing open discussion of merit pay, insisting on seniority over talent, and fostering a confrontational stance with administration.  And who loses?  Our kids.

One really does have to

Submitted by William Lannon on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 15:41.

One really does have to wonder what the Maine Education Association is so scared of that it has intimidated so many legislators. A vote against this experiment in the charter school concept is a vote against competition and the future of our children and our work force.