Oppose AB-84: Protect Charter School Flexibility

Subject: Oppose AB-84: Protect Charter School Flexibility and Funding from Increased Oversight for families like mine

My name is Luisa Shirk, and I am a constituent in your district. I am writing to express my strong opposition to AB-84. This bill, which seeks to impose extensive financial and performance audits on charter schools, threatens to burden these institutions with excessive compliance requirements that could detract from their primary mission of providing quality education. AB-84's establishment of the Office of the Education Inspector General introduces a level of oversight that could stifle the operational flexibility that makes charter schools effective. The bill's restrictions on nonclassroom-based charter schools, particularly in smaller districts, could hinder innovative educational models that serve diverse student needs. Additionally, the uniform financial reporting requirements could limit the financial adaptability of charter schools, forcing them to conform to a one-size-fits-all model that may not suit their unique educational approaches. The potential reduction in funding for nonclassroom-based instruction poses a significant threat to the financial viability of many charter schools, potentially impacting their ability to deliver high-quality education. Increased administrative responsibilities and limitations on expansion further exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for charter schools to respond to community needs effectively. I urge you to vote NO on AB-84, as it could severely limit the flexibility and innovation that are the hallmarks of charter schools, ultimately restricting educational options for families like mine. Thank you for considering my concerns. Sincerely,