is more choice good or bad for the "strong" JCPS system?

From the C-J editorialists in their effort to discourage Gov. Steve Beshear from adding charter schools to the impending special session of the General Assembly...

Charter schools are exempt from most of the rules that govern public schools and are permitted to devise their own curriculums.

OK...

They have been popular among conservatives who believe the public school system has failed and that alternatives are needed.

Believe they have failed? Alternatives are bad? Competition is bad?

In other places, charter schools have failed. A recent New York Times story documented problems, especially with for-profit firms that are brought in to manage charter schools. A study in Milwaukee found little difference in test scores between children in charter schools and in public schools.

Some charter schools have failed? OK... Wait, I thought occasional or even frequent failure (with the public schools) wasn't a problem...

Little difference in test scores? So, a small gain? Combine that with reduced overall spending, higher per capita spending for the remaining public school students, more choice, and more parental satisfaction...why is that a problem?

We already have many of the advantages of charter schools in Kentucky — in the public sector. Among these are school councils, which afford parents an opportunity to govern their own schools. In Jefferson County, students have a wide array of choices through magnet, traditional and neighborhood schools.

Yeah, somewhat. But wait, I thought more choice was a bad idea. Man, I'm getting confused.

And where's the evidence that magnet, traditional, or neighborhood schools are effective?

And the C-J doesn't seem concerned with evidence of education quality when it comes to their diversity preferences.

Both parents and businesses like things the way they are.

Businesses? Huh? Parents? Are you kidding me? The editorialists are doing stand-up comedy or smoking crack with that statement.

It is true that the state might have placed better in the Race to the Top competition if we had charter schools. But a chase after some stimulus dollars is hardly worth upsetting a strong public education system.

"Strong"? Uhhh, no.

"Upsetting" with a little more choice? Then get rid of the existing choices.