Oppose AB-84: Protect charter school funding and autonomy

Subject: Oppose AB-84: Protect Charter Schools from Increased Costs and Administrative Burdens

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to express my strong opposition to AB-84. As a concerned constituent and a homeschool parent, I believe this bill poses significant threats to the financial stability and operational flexibility of charter schools, which are vital to providing diverse educational opportunities. AB-84 introduces increased oversight costs by establishing the Office of the Education Inspector General, which could divert essential funds away from direct educational services. The bill also allows chartering authorities to charge up to 3% of a charter school's revenue for oversight costs by 2029, significantly reducing the funds available for educational purposes. This financial strain could lead to cuts in academic resources, negatively impacting students who often outperform their public school counterparts in standardized testing. Moreover, the bill imposes an increased administrative burden on charter schools by mandating new financial reporting standards and audit requirements. This shift in focus from instruction to compliance could stifle the innovative approaches that make charter schools successful. Additionally, the restrictions on nonclassroom-based charter schools, particularly in smaller districts, limit the growth and flexibility of alternative education models that many families rely on. AB-84's regulatory environment could also set a precedent for further regulation of homeschooling, potentially impacting educational choice and flexibility for families like mine. I urge you to consider the negative implications of this bill and oppose its passage to protect the diverse educational landscape that benefits so many students in our state. Sincerely,