Charter Schools

The Times is to be commended for your editorial proclaiming the value of charter schools (“Positive Course,” Dec. 15). Under new state legislation, up to 10 schools per school district and up to 100 statewide, may apply to become self-governing and thus exempt from many burdensome state and local regulations. Although an important step in the right direction, this process does not go far enough. If the charter school concept is right for a few schools, it should be extended to all schools.

The same state Legislature that passed the charter schools law continues to overregulate and underfund public schools. While a select few schools will be free to implement bold innovations, the vast majority remain constrained by the 7,379-page State Education Code.

Our schools can no longer wait for slow, incremental reforms. It is time for bold restructuring that will grant greater autonomy and demand real performance-based accountability from all schools.

MARK SLAVKIN

Member, Board of Education

Los Angeles Unified School District