August 28, 2008
Second Superintendent Candidate Meets with Charter School Leaders
Foresees “Alternative” Niche for Charter Schools

Dr. Richard Wood, the democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, said his top priority for Indiana’s public education system – if elected – would be to more fully engage students at the high school level.

Wood, recently retired from the Tippecanoe School Corporation where he served as superintendent for 19 years, presented his platform and answered questions Aug. 22 for nearly 20 charter school and community leaders. The roundtable discussion, hosted by GEO Foundation’s Charter School Service Center, was held at Hope Academy, a charter school for students recovering from alcohol and drug addiction at Fairbanks Recovery Center on Indianapolis’ north-east side.

Identifying students who don’t finish high school as his highest-needs group, Wood said these students need to be more actively involved in the classroom so they’ll stay in school. Wood, who grew up in Irvington and graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School, also emphasized the need to better educate the public on statistics that slam the state’s high school drop out rate because it does not account for fifth year seniors who do finish high school.

Wood expects strong growth in charter schools over the next decade, calling them a viable resource that has not been tapped to its fullest potential. He cited their future niche as “alternative” schools, a term he used several times and one not warmly welcomed by many in attendance.

The reaction was similar when the subject of virtual schools was brought up.

“I have some concerns about those,” Wood said. He said virtual schools should be “avoided” if the traditional setting can be provided but agreed they are the only option in certain areas, like rural communities. The state’s general assembly voted to prohibit funding for virtual schools at the end of the 2007 legislative session, eliminating that option for Indiana for the time being.

Another hot funding issue for charter schools is their lack of capital and transportation money, both of which traditional public schools receive or have access to. Wood believes there are ways to increase charter school funding, like creating a state pool of money doled out on a per student basis or a levy. Wood said not all students cost the same, citing special needs students as an example, so using the same funding per student for all may not be the best method.

When asked about the possibility of allowing the cross use of money between capital and general funds in order to pay teachers more and spend less on buildings, Wood said he did not think that was necessary. He thinks Indianapolis school districts have been “pretty responsible” regarding the spending of their capital funds and that nice buildings attract businesses to the area. Wood stressed the point that cities Indianapolis competes with prioritize the issue of money for buildings versus programs differently and in order to compete, he must let each district spend its capital funds as they see fit.

Wood stressed the need for full-day kindergarten, saying it should be offered statewide, although on an optional basis for parents. He also stressed the need to return to smaller class sizes in primary grades.

And while Wood said addressing early childhood education would not be a priority of his until he deals with other unfinished business, his role as superintendent would include being an advocate even for programs that might not happen for awhile. But Wood also acknowledged opponents who say the need for early childhood education is mostly driven by parents who aren’t doing their job. “There’s some validity to that,” Wood said.

Wood said he plans to work with the Indiana State Teachers Association, as well as House Democrats, two groups who have opposed charter schools. But Wood believes that the position of the teachers’ association may not be representative of individual teachers who may not be as aware of the positive outcomes of charter schools as they should be.

Another item on Wood’s agenda if elected would be increasing efficiency within the state’s Department of Education. He said the DOE must reorganize, use less paper and take advantage of services that can be provided by entities outside the department. The DOE should empower the private sector but not put them on its payroll, Wood said, adding there are many retirees who want to remain involved in the education movement.

Wood spent the first half of his education career teaching and in administration positions at Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis, Carroll High School in Fort Wayne and M.S.D. Warren Township.

A month ago, GEO Foundation held a similar discussion with the Republican candidate for Superintendent, Tony Bennett.

Superintendent Candidate Meets with Charter School Leaders
Says All Schools and Teachers Should Encourage College for Students

On July 28, more than 25 Indianapolis area charter school and community leaders gathered at the Challenge Foundation Academy, a charter school located in the Meadows neighborhood of Indianapolis, to hear from Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Tony Bennett. The Republican nominee, who hails from Greater Clark County Schools where he currently serves as Superintendent, told guests that he wants to move the state department from “regulatory to resource” focused.  The gathering, hosted by GEO Foundation’s Charter School Service Center, was an opportunity for charter leaders to hear Bennett’s vision for the future of the Indiana Department of Education and the role charter schools play in providing Indiana’s public education.
 
Bennett suggested placing DOE representatives in all nine area educational service centers because it would make it easier to reach someone with an inquiry.   
 
The audience told Bennett their high priority issues for the State Superintendent in the coming years, too. Suggestions included equality in funding for charter schools as charter schools do not receive funds for their buildings nor for transportation they provide, whereas traditional schools do.  Leaders also suggested creating a tracking system for student migration (between schools), addressing the drop-out rate, and more recognition of the service that charter schools provide the community.
 
Bennett agreed that addressing the drop-out rate was important, but stressed that the real focus should be getting students to complete post-secondary education. He said this could be accomplished by excellent leaders creating a positive school culture that embraces achievement and college. Bennett commented, “In a good school culture, teachers should be talking about college every period of every day.” He added that options other than a four-year degree should be clearly explained to students.
 
Bennett also recognized the value of school options, including charter schools. “I am a strong proponent of competition. You make us all better.” He went on to add that traditional public schools cannot always grow as quickly as technology and society necessitate. Bennett embraces all options including private, charter, home school, and virtual schools.  
 
Kevin Teasley, President and Founder of GEO Foundation commented, “This was an excellent opportunity for us to hear Bennett’s stance on charters and other important issues. The Service Center was happy to be able to organize such an event for the charter community.” He added that the Service Center plans to invite Democratic nominee Richard Wood to a similar event.
 
For more information on Tony Bennett visit www.drtonybennett.com.