Continuing evidence of the power of the press (and the pixel)

by David Safier

Another update on the Imagine Schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which have been the subject of scathing investigative work by the Journal Gazette.

The dean of the Teachers College at Ball State University, the group that authorized the charter for Fort Wayne's Imagine schools, wrote an op ed in the paper discussing the situation. He commented that Ball State representatives visit the school on a regular basis and hold it accountable. He feels it has been doing an adequate job. But, he continued, information in the articles revealed a lack of local control, which has to be corrected.

As a charter authorizer, we can – and do – revoke charters for schools that fail to live up to their charters. Such final action, however, is taken only when other corrective measures have failed. We will continue to work with the Fort Wayne charter schools and their boards to help them achieve their missions. If, however, they fail to meet their responsibilities, we will take appropriate action, up to and including the revocation of charters.

In the same issue, the paper wrote an editorial praising Ball State's concern and its attempts to remedy the situation. The final two paragraphs should be taped to the wall of every school district and government agency with oversight over charter schools.

The local Imagine charter schools are not a philanthropist-funded project saving children from bad public schools, as some supporters would like everyone to believe. Taxpayers foot the bill, and they have the right to know how the money is spent.

As sponsor of the schools, Ball State holds most of the responsibility to protect taxpayers – a task the university now seems to have embraced.

Add another piece of evidence to the exhibit. When journalists do their homework and bring genuine problems to light, people in high places listen and, in many circumstances, act responsibly.