By Erica Breunlin | Colorado Sun
A bill from a group of liberal Colorado Democrats aimed at increasing transparency and accountability at charter schools has sparked major opposition, including from Gov. Jared Polis, bipartisan education groups and parents and students.
The lawmakers who introduced House Bill 1363 this month say they value charter schools and simply aim to hold them to the same level of scrutiny that public schools face.
“School choice is rooted in informed decision-making,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, a bill sponsor and a Democrat from unincorporated Adams County. “If charter schools are not willing to be open and transparent and support informed decision-making within the parent population, then it begs the question of, what are they actually trying to hide?”