Parents are better advocates

Background: Detroit News editor Amber Arellano favors increased regulations on charter schools. This is exactly the wrong approach to education reform. Increased regulations and control led to the current mess in traditional public schools. A free market in education with parents providing oversight is a better solution.

Rather than follow Amber Arellano’s advice to increase regulations on charter schools, Michigan needs to promote a competitive educational environment. Parents would be better served by expanded opportunities rather than more bureaucratic micromanagement. Current attempts by Democrat lawmakers to impose greater restrictions on the education market will stifle competition and hurt the children in this state.

Arellano should recognize that Michael Feinberg, founder of KIPP charter schools, advocates more regulation to reduce competition thereby benefiting his company. If Arellano wants to quote an advocate, I suggest she find a parent whose children are on a wait list to escape a failing public school.

[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 11/12/2007.]