Note: Watch www.schoolchoiceinfo.org for a response to this letter from DPI Supt. Benson.

State oversight necessary to address problems

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has run excellent articles chronicling a range of concerns with the choice program. The reader of these reports might incorrectly conclude that the system is working, the problems have been identified and corrected before children have been hurt and there are no fundamental problems with choice. Unfortunately, that is untrue, because the Legislature has intentionally limited state oversight of choice.

Already there is criticism that the department is over-regulating choice schools. Opponents have tried to discredit reasonable oversight by saying that market forces and parental concern will serve to protect children enrolled in choice schools.

What they ignore is the reality that con artists are more than willing to prey on the most vulnerable members of society. If it were not for the requirement that choice schools obtain an occupancy permit, the department would be virtually powerless to conduct any meaningful oversight.

Most choice schools are responsible. But well-meaning parents, who seek nothing more than what is best for their children, can be misled by smooth talk. It is the proper role of government to intervene in these situations.

In my written response to a recent state audit on choice, I identified several critical policy issues needing legislative attention. Those issues relate to whether choice schools will be accountable to the public for their performance and use of public funding and whether they will be required to provide meaningful access to children with disabilities.

Recent Journal Sentinel articles have highlighted why these issues demand legislative attention. I am again asking the Legislature and advocates for choice to honestly acknowledge, and responsibly address, problems with this program.

John T. Benson State superintendent Department of Public Instruction Madison