The mere idea of closing a school goes against American tradition. Most public schools operate in a bureaucracy that allows them to continue to exist, even when they become fixtures of failure, pulling down entire communities.
Closure is usually the last thing parents want to see happen, which can create pressure to keep a failing school open.
If a charter school, despite the best intentions and well-laid plans, is failing children and communities—academically, financially, or operationally—it can be and should be closed.
A good authorizer makes difficult but necessary decisions to close schools, preferring to work with the charter’s board in a thoughtful process that turns a loss into, ultimately, a gain, for the children and their community.
Charter school authorizers have the power and the responsibility to make closure about what’s best for children. Community-centered closure puts children and families first. It also pays attention to the well-being of teachers.