LANSING, Mich. (March 1, 2022) — Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) has issued the following statement in support of bills that provide transparency and accountability of charter schools for Michigan taxpayers:
“Michigan has been called the ‘Wild Wild West of charter schools’ because of the lack of transparency in our state. There are glaring issues that must be addressed to make sure that taxpayers know how much the mostly for-profit corporations that run charter schools are spending to enrich themselves. My bills help the public to finally know where their money is going and prevent education management companies from lining their pockets with our tax dollars.”
Introduced today, Senate Bills 927-937 are part of a bicameral approach to ensure that all schools are playing by the rules and providing the best opportunities for students. Sen. Polehanki has sponsored Senate Bills 927, 930, 932, and 934:
- Senate Bill 927 requires education management companies to produce audited financial statements each year for their authorizing body.
- Senate Bill 930 assures that authorizers will provide appropriate oversight or face suspension by the state superintendent.
- Senate Bill 932 prevents expansion or “authorizer shopping” if a charter school is performing in the bottom 5% of Michigan schools.
- Senate Bill 934 requires the board of directors of a charter school ensure that the lease or purchase of property reflects fair market rates.
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