Charter schools seek funding parity

SALT LAKE CITY -- Charter schools in Utah may get a financial boost as lawmakers explore ways to create funding equality with public schools.

The Education Interim Committee of the Utah Legislature discussed charter-school funding Wednesday in a meeting at the Capitol with state budget officials.

Charter schools, which are approved either by school districts or the State Office of Education, act much like private schools but receive state funding like public schools in the form of weighted-pupil-unit funds, money dispersed based on the number of students attending school.

However, public schools receive property tax revenue while charter schools do not.

"Basically, their hands are tied," said Ben Leishman, fiscal analyst with the Legislature.

Lawmakers earlier this year agreed on "local replacement funding" to create financial parity between charter schools and public schools with state funding.

About $1.66 million is needed for charter schools, based on enrollments, to create equality, but officials are unsure where the money will come from. Education subcommittee members will take up the issue this fall and the Legislature will decide on a plan in the 2004 session.

"It will be a matter of weighing priorities," Leishman said.

Extra funding would be good news for charter-school operators. The schools don't charge tuition, but typically lease, build or buy buildings for classes.

"Charter schools are really in financial dire straits. They succeed only because of passionionate, committed people who pull themselves up by their bootstraps," said Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Salt Lake City.

Another challenge that legislators and education officials face is the increasing number of charter schools. Last fall, there were 13 in Utah. This fall, there will be 19, including Ogden Preparatory Academy, Weber County's first charter school.

There are no charter schools in Davis County.

Officials expect about 3,400 charter-school students statewide this coming school year.