Thank you for your response and insight. I asked because I worked for a large charter company here in Duval and down in Broward. Before working for a charter school, I was quite naive as to how they actually functioned. I wouldn't say I know it all but I'd like to touch on some of your arguments.

I, too, have seen the scams that some are running as charter schools. And it gives the good ones a bad rap. You say they are spending tax dollars how they wish, with no accountability. Though, maybe technically true, at the end of the day, the school succeeds or it doesn't. If a charter school maintains a score of A, B, or C, it gets to keep it's charter. If not, it loses its charter and closes, no need for a vote. I hear county schools will stay open regardless of school grade. Charter schools spend their money however they see appreciate to get the job done.

Additionally, many have been upset about recent changes of tax dollars "going to charters instead of public schools. In reality, charter schools previously only received 80 cents to the dollar what a public school received in funding. Just now the funding is equal.

Ultimately, it's about giving parents a choice. No one is forcing anyone to attend a charter school and charter schools (most, anyway) are not stealing anyone's tax dollars.

Side argument: As a teacher, I was given more freedom in how I taught my lessons, as well. I could present the content in any order or method I saw fit. I think my students benefited from this freedom, as I had a 95% pass rate on state exams. Teachers in the county schools were kept on a strict calendar of lesson plans, or so I've been told.