Charter schools use funds efficiently, tax watchdog says

Utah's charter schools cost a lot to start and must make more with fewer per pupil dollars but spend more of that money educating students, a new report from the Utah Taxpayers Association says.

In fact statistics show the state's 38 charter schools spend about 13 percent less than the public schools, according to data from the state Office of Education for fiscal year 2003-04.

District schools spent $6,309 per student, while charter schools spent $5,466 per student.

"They're financially a good deal for tax spenders," said Mike Jerman, vice president of the Utah Taxpayers Association.

The association compared total per pupil spending, as well as instructional and operational costs. Total spending for charter schools was less, although operational costs were higher, because those schools must lease or rent space.

But charter schools spent a larger percentage of their money on instruction: 57 percent for charter schools, compared to 52 percent for public schools.

"I think all schools try very, very hard to be as cost effective as possible," said John Broberg, director of Utah Charter Schools for the state Office of Education. "The style of school that a charter school is makes it in some ways less expensive."

Jerman says said that because charter schools are focused on specific curriculum or instructional philosophy, instead of providing education for a broad market, they have an opportunity for greater efficiency.

"We're not suggesting district schools aren't efficient," he said. "We're not saying charter schools are good, and district schools are bad."

In 1998, Utah's Legislature passed the Utah Charter Schools Act. The first school opened in August 1999. The schools are publicly funded and can be started by anyone willing to enter into a contract with an authorizing agency, such as the State Charter School Board or a local school board.

Charter schools can tailor their programs to community needs or specialties like performing arts to science, but must still adhere to the same financial and educational standards as public schools.

Enrollment in Utah's charter schools for the 2004-05 school year was about 6,000, Broberg said. That number is expected to double for 2005-06 and most schools have long waiting lists, he adds.