Both Concept and UNO are part of a veritable land rush of charter schools in the city even as public schools are shuttered at an historic rate.
For fiscal year 2014, CPS has projected a reduction in salaries for teachers and staff of $148.8 million, while increasing the amount of money going to charter schools by $80 million. Currently, CPS is considering opening 21 new charter schools over the next two years.
As charter schools continue to take root, however, one fact is clear: No process this steeped in political cronyism and insider dealing should be allowed to continue.
In November, State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) introduced a bill that would abolish the Charter School Commission—a move that, on the face of it, seems well-timed.
But more must be done. Gov. Pat Quinn must show leadership on this issue, and undertake a statewide review of how charters are approved and funded in Illinois, with a special emphasis on creating structural barriers between political influence and decisions on how best to educate children.
As well, perhaps the newly-created Chicago City Council Office of Financial Analysis can adopt as part of it’s mission the ability to review the financial impact of charter expansion in Chicago before any additional charters are approved.
The truth is, in the rush to approve charters the rules of good government and financial transparency are being ignored. And, as every decision to open a charter ultimately affects students across the city and state, the taxpayers and parents of Illinois must be able to trust the right decisions are being made, every time.
If anything, the realities behind UNO and Concept demonstrate the need to take a hard look at how charters to open schools are won and lost in this state and stop approving more schools until answers and reforms are found.
Read the entire post: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Opinion-Halt-Broken-Charter-School-Expansion-Process-237154731.html#ixzz2pAQzrh5n
Fred Klonsky 
It has always been my opinion that tax payer funds should never be used for charter or private schools. Children placed in these private facilities can be removed for unacceptable behaviors… and where do they go? Back to public schools. Let’s us tax payer funds to improve our schools so families and children will be able to work toward providing the best possible education in our own, tax payer funded institutions.