“Your article ‘Some Utah charter schools hire for-profit management’ (Aug. 8) referenced a controversial internal e-mail that I wrote two years ago, in which I expressed frustration about working with some local charter boards.
I issued an apology, and I would like to unequivocally state again that I made a mistake. I mischaracterized the role of boards and the partnership between those boards and charter management organizations (CMOs).
Imagine Schools does not operate according to the expressions of that e-mail. When a board selects a full-service CMO, whether for-profit or nonprofit, it contracts with that company to handle the day-to-day operations of the school. The board oversees the CMO to ensure that the charter is fulfilled, the money is spent according to law and board-approved budget, school policies are adopted and followed, and the CMO is fulfilling his or her responsibilities. If the CMO is not performing or is mishandling money, the board can terminate the contract.
These board functions are crucial to providing the checks and balances sought by the public. Sharing the same vision, local boards partner with Imagine Schools because of the expertise, quality and programmatic variety we provide. Each governing board operates independently and transparently. The board chooses Imagine to educate children in its community. We share their commitment to operating high-quality schools of choice and embrace that accountability.”
Dennis Bakke
President and CEO, Imagine Schools
Arlington, Va.
Letter published on August 14, 2010 by DeseretNews.com