Dive Brief:
- Earlier this month, the Washington Supreme Court ruled in a split decision that the state's charter school funding law was unconstitutional; the shift, which could cut funds to the schools, has left operators scrambling.
- Charter schools will no longer have access to large pools of state funds, though charter supporters say there will still be ways for legislators to direct dollars towards the schools.
- Without those funds, most operators will struggle to remain afloat, though they've assured parents and students that they will find a way.
Dive Insight:
Washington state has had an uneasy relationship with charter schools. The state only recently approved them, and their growth, especially in Seattle, has been seriously curtailed by local restrictions.
Currently, charter schools only serve 1200 students in the state, a detail indicated by the ruling. Though justices said the schools provided more options, they also cited the lack of local accountability and oversight that other public schools have.
Still, the ruling relied on state precedent and a narrow definition of “common schools” in the state constitution. As a result, it’s unlikely to create a ripple effect of similar rulings — at least for now. But charter school critics have applauded the decision and could use it as fodder for similar lawsuits elsewhere. And it’s a significant event. According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the ruling is the first time a court has struck down an entire charter school law.