Impact of charter schools on their affiliated traditional public school districts

After one quarter of a century in operation, charter schools remain at the center of much controversy in the field of public education. With over three million students enrolled in charter schools, there are both proponents and those who oppose schools of choice for youth and their families. While some scholars have found that charter schools are positive or neutral in their impact on public school district finances, others suggest that these choice schools cause financial repercussions to their affiliated districts. The body of research is growing in terms of studies about charter schools and their fiscal impact on their affiliated traditional public school districts; however, it does not appear that any definitive data has been collected to suggest the ramifications of these schools on the public sector. Furthermore, there is a lack of research about the possible impact that affiliated charter schools and their financial ramifications have on the decision-making of traditional public school district leaders. Therefore, there is a need to study the impacts of charter schools on their affiliated traditional public school districts and what ramifications they might have on the students who are "left behind" in the public sector. Through an analysis of the financial statements and enrollment figures, in addition to a series of interviews with district leaders who have affiliated charter schools, this study provides a better understanding of how charter schools impact district finances and the decision making of district leaders regarding charter authorization and renewal.