I would look into the following (I'm sorry I don't have any details myself):
1. find out who/what is really behind this legislation. e.g., is it a union thing? or does someone really believe that larger schools are more cost-effective? What is the political angle here - is it anti-charter - or is this really just a budget issue. What are the chances it would pass.
2. somewhere along the way, recently, I could swear that I read an article discussing small schools as being more successful academically than large ones. If such research does exist, that could be very useful. (maybe that's the link in the PP I hope?)
3. along the lines of Katelyn'sMom's post, look at the funding for your school - how much public funding do they recieve? How much per student? What would it cost the district/state/public if those students all matriculated at their neighborhood public schools instead? I think this is an immensely important issue in your advocacy, whether or not this is a budget issue or a political issue masquerading as a budget issue. Our large district, for example, has around 10 charter schools, and our district has experienced a ton of growth in the past decade to the point where several of the elementary schools are on 4-track calendars, etc. Our district would not be able to accommodate the charter students in neighborhood schools if the charters were to close suddenly - both because they don't have the physical facilities and because it would cost more per student (our charters pay for their own facilities, usually out of donations, and transportation is borne by the parents). The district recently executed about a 10% budget cut and is hurting, as are many school districts.
3. consider what could be done if the legislation passes and public funding is eliminated - could it be turned into a private school via some sort of fundraising? This would be a major undertaking, but if you find the right "in" with local philanthropists, it's possible.
that's my quick two cents
Last edited by snowgirl; 10/09/10 09:54 AM.
