[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY THROUGH QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2014

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 10) to amend 
     the Charter School Program under the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965:

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chair, today I rise in support of the Success and 
Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act, H.R. 10. I believe it 
is imperative that America provide high-quality public education so 
that our students can succeed and compete in the global economy. I am a 
strong supporter of public education, from early education programs 
such as Head Start and Pre-K to higher education and career and 
technical education. As we look to improve educational outcomes, we 
cannot overlook the promise of innovative teaching practices and 
charter schools.
   This new authorization of the Charter School Program makes important 
improvements to the existing charter school framework. In particular, I 
support provisions to aid in the dissemination of best practices from 
charter schools to other public schools, and the updated language that 
helps extend the reach of charter schools into communities that are 
currently underserved, including minorities and those with special 
needs.
   However, the underlying bill is not perfect. While one of the 
founding ideas behind charter schools is to reduce red tape and let 
educators take the reins, there have been worrying reports of gross 
mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds by some charter school 
staff, which requires some attention. I think the amendment offered by 
Representative Castor goes some way to addressing this issue, which 
would require the Department of Education to develop and publish 
regulations addressing conflicts of interest surrounding charter 
schools.
   In addition, I support the amendments offered by Representative 
Jackson Lee and Representative Bonamici respectively, which would 
increase the information available to parents and the public related to 
attendance of charter schools, and the efforts in disseminating and 
implementing best practices across the public school spectrum.
   There is more work to be done improving our education system, but we 
must be mindful not to create a two-tiered public school system. I hope 
H.R. 10 provides the intended improvements to charter schools, and the 
public education system as a whole.

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