For any parent who has a child attending a public school, the thought of allowing private non-profits to run a school district is a worrisome one, as parents feel that this would remove all oversights public schools are currently subject to. This just might become a reality in Arkansas, as there’s recently been a move to allow this.
Republican Bruce Cozart, from Hot Springs, is the Bill’s sponsor, and claims that this is about helping kids; the state of has taken over school districts with low performing schools. Cozart feels that these private non-profits could offer an improved approach to turning these schools around.
Parents such as Anna Swaim, mother of two children in the Little Rock School District, however, feel that this is an attack on public education; who would run the district in the absence of a locally elected school board? Swaim notes that this bill would allow the Commissioner of Education to “directly operate or contract with one or more not-for-profit entities to operate academic distressed schools.
Privately run schools are not a new concept; with many private interest groups opening charter schools nationwide. However, different states have adopted widely different positions in regards to transitioning private educational facilities into charter schools. This, combined with reports of mismanagement and fraud, has both parents and lawmakers concerned over this move.
No matter what decision is made; one this is for sure. If your client runs a private non-profit, they must be financially protected with the right Non-Profit Liability Insurance Policy. At Charity First, we understand the risks faced by your clients and offer comprehensive insurance products as a result. Please contact us today for more information at (800) 352-2761.