Parents risking jail / Truancy cases continued for 90 days in charter school dispute
Shaye Carter and Janie Lewis each risked a $300 fine yesterday because they had refused to withdraw their children from Career Connections Charter Middle School and enroll them in Pittsburgh Public Schools.
So, why is the Pittsburg Public Schools complaining about the Career Connections Charter Middle School?
The board questioned the suitability of the Boys & Girls Club building where classes are being held, saying it didn't restrict public access the way schools generally do.
Why do the parents wish their children to attend this charter school?
Pittsburgh parents said they're standing their ground because they've found a good thing. They said the school's curriculum, small class sizes and welcoming environment are improvements over regular Pittsburgh schools.
The school district is threatening the parents with fines and even jail time because the district considers the children truant, even though they are attending school and being taught the required subjects.
The school district claims that it is a safety issue.
Lawrenceville resident NcGai Vason thinks her sixth-grade daughter, Morgan, is safer at Career Connections than she would be at the district's Arsenal Middle School.
"She would have gotten eaten alive there," Ms. Vason said. She said Morgan will remain at Career Connections until I am forced" to move her.
Most observers agree that the issue is money and the effect of declining enrollment on the Pittsburgh public schools.
Pennsylvania also makes it difficult for homeschoolers. I've heard it's a paperwork nightmare. We have a friend who just moved to Pittsburg. I suggested that they live in Ohio and commute rather than deal with the Pennsylvania homeschooling laws or the Pittsburg public schools.
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Related Tags: public education, Pittsburgh Public Schools, charter schools, Career Connections Charter Middle School, truancy laws, homeschooling, home education
2 comments:
Sheesh. Everyday I read the homeschooling blogs, I have another reason to be profoundly grateful that I live in Missouri (VERY friendly)! I get more harassment from schooling parents and teachers at my parish than the government (and it's for the same reason - money).
Yes, I'm glad to be in California. Nobody has ever bothered us. Most of my friends with kids in public school still are very supportive of homeschooling. There are a few older ladies at church who are critical, but they are still polite.
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