Reform could fund schools

By Olivia McHaney

Regarding “Beloved East Bay performing arts school to close, leaving students without a stage” (Arts & Entertainment, SFChronicle.com, April 21): The impending closure of the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts is yet another tragic reminder that charter schools are not an effective solution to the issues found in traditional public schools. 

Schools must be places where students feel a sense of stability. This is essentially impossible at most charter schools because more than 25% of them close before the five-year mark. Contra Costa School of Performing Arts will close after just nine years.

Instead of taking this neoliberal approach to education, we should invest in truly public schools that support students’ passions. 

Many traditional public schools in California have vibrant theater and arts programs. The key is funding the school well, which is challenging given the financial strangulation placed on our public education by Proposition 13. 

If we reform Prop. 13 and make corporations pay their fair share in property taxes, we could restore billions annually to our public schools and communities. 

All students deserve the chance to attend supportive and well-resourced schools, and the best way to do that is by taxing corporations.