State Secures $34.8 Million Grant to Boost Charter School Expansion

Arizona has secured $34.8 million in federal funding aimed at the creation and expansion of charter schools throughout the state.

The funding initiative allocates up to $300,000 for nonprofit organizations pursuing the establishment of new charter schools, which serve as alternatives to traditional public education. Established charter schools can also access funds for operational expansion.

State schools chief Tom Horne, who oversees the grant administration, estimates this funding could facilitate the launch of 24 new charter schools while also supporting the expansion of 23 existing facilities, effectively benefiting around 10,000 students.

Mark Francis from the state Department of Education emphasizes that the funding is intended as a temporary boost, promoting initial operational stability. This support encompasses hiring necessary specialists and acquiring essential equipment like desks and chairs.

Once established, these schools are expected to achieve self-sufficiency, relying on state aid. Charter schools in Arizona currently receive an average of $9,313 per student, a figure that surpasses the $8,086 allocated to traditional public schools, according to state records.

However, the state does not fund transportation for charter school students, although additional financial support is provided as charters cannot raise local taxes directly, unlike traditional public institutions.

Eligibility for these grants is selective. Francis notes that applicants must demonstrate qualifications to manage a school and align with federal requirements, which prioritize serving “educationally disadvantaged” communities. This includes schools with at least 30% of students from low-income households or minority backgrounds, as well as those catering to children with special needs.

Geographically, this funding opportunity is open to various regions within Arizona. The approval for new charter schools comes at a time when many traditional schools face declining enrollment, resulting in some districts closing their doors.

Despite these challenges, Horne does not attribute the struggles of traditional schools to the growth of the charter system, which includes more than 600 schools across the state. He underscores the historic significance of charter schools since their inception in the 1990s, advocating for parents to have access to diverse schooling options.

In Arizona, students can apply to charter schools without unique admission requirements. Unlike traditional public schools, charter operators can use a lottery to select students for enrollment.

Another distinction lies in hiring practices; charter schools do not require teachers to hold certification, provided they don’t employ individuals whose teaching licenses have been revoked.

Currently, applications for the grant are open, marking a significant step towards launching new or expanded charter schools by this upcoming August.