Oppose AB-84: Protect charter school flexibility

Subject: Oppose AB-84: Protect Charter School Flexibility and Student Needs

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to express my strong opposition to AB-84. This bill poses significant threats to the flexibility and innovation that charter schools provide, which are crucial for meeting the diverse educational needs of our children. AB-84 mandates extensive changes to charter school operations, including new audit and oversight requirements that could disrupt existing systems and affect the continuity of education for students. The bill's requirement for charter schools to adhere to the same audit standards as traditional public schools could limit their ability to tailor services for students with special needs, potentially reducing the effectiveness of individualized education plans. Furthermore, by imposing stricter oversight and operational requirements, AB-84 risks reducing the autonomy of charter schools, leading to a homogenization of educational offerings. This would limit the diverse options available to parents seeking the best fit for their children's unique learning needs. The bill also extends public contract code requirements to charter schools, which could limit their ability to engage with small, specialized contractors, thereby reducing the availability of unique educational services. The establishment of the Office of the Education Inspector General adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy that could undermine the innovative approaches charter school educators use to directly serve students. This focus on compliance over educational outcomes is concerning. I urge you to vote NO on AB-84 to protect the educational choices and opportunities that charter schools provide to families and students across our state. Thank you for considering my perspective. Sincerely,