Comparative Findings for Noncharter Schools
| Standard of Measurement | Schools Failing | Percent of Measured Schools Failing |
| A: Graduation Rates | 29 Schools | 29.29% (99 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| B: Academic Performance (Math) | 72 Schools | 14.34% (502 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| B: Academic Performance (English Language Arts) | 55 Schools | 10.96% (502 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| C: Postsecondary Enrollment | 0 Schools | 0% (120 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| D: Chronic Absenteeism Rates | 203 Schools | 36.71% (553 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| E. Campus Safety | 17 Schools | 20.73% (82 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| F: Financial Efficiency | 232 Schools | 47.84% (485 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| G. Achievement Gaps (Math) | 13 Schools | 4.33% (300 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| G. Achievement Gaps (English Language Arts) | 14 Schools | 4.91% (285 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| Schools failing three or more standards | 71 Schools | 14% (507 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| Schools failing at least two standards | 173 Schools | 31.23% (554 Total Noncharter Schools) |
| Schools failing at least one standard | 364 Schools | 61.28% (594 Total Noncharter Schools) |
It should be noted that in the above table, the total schools measured varies heavily due to many schools not being eligible for certain standard reviews. Only high schools were considered in graduation rate requirements, only schools with reported scores were considered for academic performance, and only schools with reported incidence rate numbers were considered for incident rates concerning campus safety. Lastly, some schools did not report enough data to be able to fail three or even two standards, which is why the last three rows have different total school numbers.
According to our measures for each standard under which charter schools are assessed, nearly two-thirds of noncharter public schools in the state are failing at least one standard, more than one-third are failing two standards, and nearly one-in-seven schools are failing three or more standards. This is concerning, as it indicates that many would be at risk of closure if held to the same standards as charter schools. The good news is that Commission decisions are highly subjective, and there is no clear line on how many failed standards it takes to shut down a charter school.
However, we have a clear example of a charter school that was shut down: Harpswell Coastal Academy. The Maine Charter Commission refused to approve its renewal due to three separate standard failures: a high chronic absenteeism rate, poor organizational fiscal outlook, and poor student improvement rates. Still, the important conclusion we can draw based on history and evidence is this: Failing to meet expectations in three separate standards of assessment is a sign that a charter school is at high risk of being closed by the Commission.
Based on our analysis, 14% of noncharter public schools (71) throughout the state, or approximately one-in-seven schools, would be at risk of closure if held to the same standards as charters. Still, if the purpose of imposing these standards on charters is to benefit the institutions themselves and the outcomes of students, it stands to reason the same standards would improve noncharter public schools if applied to them, too.
On the other hand, if applying these standards to noncharter public schools is unfair, then it is also unfair to apply them to charter schools. Charter schools in Maine outperform noncharter schools in most of our fiscal efficiency standards, as well as overall English Language Arts and Science performance. If charter schools were treated equally to noncharter public schools–particularly in funding–the data suggest that they’re capable of outperforming noncharters in most, if not all, standards. Unfortunately, Maine’s charter system regulations are designed to limit the number and efficiency of these schools, all but ensuring they don’t create competition for Maine’s declining traditional public school system.