Time For Change in Our State

Guest post by LaRae Eifert

In researching choices for our state and the city I live in, my recommendation would be charter schools.

Erin Duffy of the World Herald Bureau reported on February 18, 2015, that Nebraska lawmakers greet backers of charter schools with skepticism and tough questions. One of the questions is: with what FUNDS?

Answer:  state and federal dollars, because the money follows the student.

Nebraska is one of just eight states that does not have laws authorizing charter schools, which are independent, taxpayer-funded schools typically run by private groups or companies.

I recommend charter schools for the State of Nebraska and to all of our cities including the city of Lincoln where I live. Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning that families choose them for their children.  They operate with freedom from some of the regulations that are imposed upon district schools. Charter schools are accountable for academic results and for upholding the promises made in their charters. They must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management and organizational stability.  

Charter schools can vary a great deal in their designs and in their results.  Uncommon schools create schools based on their principles and practices. There are now more than 6,000 public charter schools serving more than 2.3 million students in 44 states & the District of Columbia.  There are more than 600,000 children on waiting lists nationwide wanting the opportunity to attend a charter school.

Also we the taxpayers contribute over 61% of our property taxes to the Lincoln Public School and ESU 18 budget, but we don't have much say regarding the content and methodologies of their teaching. The State law makers need to research and view information allowing us as taxpayers to open charter schools to teach and train our children without an emphasis on social issues that don't contribute to academic success.

We have highly educated parents, teachers and independent businesses in our state and communities that are capable of creating and managing charter schools for our children.  We need CHOICES!

LaRae Eifert is a Mother, Nana, Businesswoman and Defender of our Constitutional Rights and Moral Values. She lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.