i see a lot of criticism of charter schools being “run like businesses” and profiting off of tax money in the context that traditional public schools dont do that. but i dont understand because both of them are public funded and dont cost the student anything right? so how are they run like businesses and how are they profiting off tax payer money anymore than public schools are? not looking for opinions just an explanation on how theyre different
In: Economics
In my area, school districts must send charter schools at least 90% of the per-pupil funds for students who live in the district. If you’re receiving a fixed cost per student, and your goal is to generate profits above all else, your incentive is to provide a “good enough” education that people won’t leave for the absolute least cost possible. You may hire less qualified teachers, use older books, defer more maintenance, get crappier food, etc.
Let’s say a public school receives the same per-public funding. They don’t have a profit motive, because if there is money left over it goes back to the district (usually). While this doesn’t incentivize smart spending in the district, it also doesn’t give them any reason to cut corners either.
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