When Northrop-Grumman or Boeing submit bids to the Pentagon to build a fighter jet, part of each bid includes profit the company hopes to make if awarded the contract. Though that profit comes from taxpayer dollars, it's a justifiable reward for the risk the corporation undertakes in providing taxpayers with a fighter jet at a lesser costs than if the government built the jet itself. The competitive bidding process serves to prevent profit gouging and contract specifications and performance requirements insure that taxpayers are not spending money for a jet that does not fly.
The problem with Pennsylvania's charter school system does not lie with the concept of companies reaping profits for educating children. Rather, the problem lies with lack of accountability and risk. Currently, companies and/or individuals that run Pennsylvania charter schools are able to reap substantial profits from the public purse without undertaking risk of non-payment if the service they provide does not meet specific performance requirements. That means they profit even if their jet can't leave the ground. That doesn't fly with me!
No comments:
Post a Comment