Governor O’Malley Doesn’t Know A Public School When He Sees One

Bob Ehrlich’s call last week to double the number of public charter schools in Maryland and expand educational opportunities for students uncovered a stunning reality: his opponent, Governor Martin O’Malley, doesn’t know what a public charter school is.

Charter schools are publicly-funded schools that operate with greater autonomy and increased accountability in order to help students for whom their current education system is not working. But a recent article in The Washington Post shows Governor O'Malley is clearly confused over the role of these innovative schools and even has to be corrected by a reporter. Below is a transcription.

"'However well our charters school act is, it's not an excuse to fix our public schools. I believe in fixing public schools,' O'Malley said."

"An editorial writer interrupted, challenging O'Malley, 'but charters are public schools.'"
"'Yes, and no,' O'Malley said, pausing, 'yes, and no, because they are, I mean, they are publics schools in a sense. But if they were public schools in the sense, um, uh, .. they're independently operated. And well, you know how they are different from' public schools.'

"'I really don't,' the writer shot back. 'They're operated with public funds, on a lottery system and can't exclude students.'"

"'Yes, and they operate under separate management systems and they are a little bit different,' O'Malley said. "But they provide a good sort of catalyst and a way to infuse the larger system with good ideas.'"

"Marylanders have a right to be troubled by Governor O'Malley's obvious lack of curiosity with innovative ideas that can better the lives of tens of thousands of students," Bob Ehrlich said in response. "We can do better than a governor who dismisses the heroic efforts of parents, teachers, and citizens who strive to build better, more accountable schools for their children. That begins with having a real conversation with Maryland families, students, and teachers about what matters most in our education system. There are many ways to improve our public schools - including sound investments, rewarding successful teachers, and high academic standards - and public charters must be one of those solutions in Maryland."

Bob Ehrlich is the product of an education secured by scholarships; were it not for the kindness of others and the benefits of rigorous academic studies imposed by excellent schools, his life might have turned out very differently. It’s because Bob Ehrlich appreciates what a chance at a better education can mean, and what high standards can do, that he wants to make it easier and more efficient for parents to create their own charter schools.

Click here to view the complete Washington Post article.