The proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot Nov. 6 are confusing to many people who don’t realize the importance of the whole charter school controversy.  It is vital that we recognize the danger of having members of the legislature—who stand to profit from those who are managing the charter school movement, and who often know nothing about what constitutes an effective school system—make decisions that override the decisions of local school boards.

Any time that profit is involved, as in the charter schools, and in the case of the private prisons springing up, there is less money available for the operation of the institutions and an opportunity for graft among those who administer the funds.  Charter schools are not a panacea for failing school systems, but they merely authorize pilfering funds from our public school system to operate for-profit schools.  This weakens our public schools and makes it less likely that your child will receive a quality education. 

The money needed for the administration of public schools, and for equipment and supplies for your child, will go instead into the pockets of the promoters of charter schools and of the legislators who do their bidding.

Judy F. Brouillette

Columbus