Demand Far Outstrips Supply
By artificially limiting the total number of charter schools in the state, it is impossible for the number of open spots to keep up with the demand. Without the possibility of new charter schools opening their doors, the only way for seats to become available is for current students to either graduate or transfer. At the time the Maine Legislature implemented this indefinite cap, “demand for an education at a public charter school [was] greater than the supply.” Similarly, the enrollment cap for virtual charter schools of 1,000 students also establishes an unnecessary barrier to entry. Lifting the cap on both total charter schools and enrollment in virtual charter schools would offer more Maine students the opportunity to learn in an environment best suited to their needs without being encumbered by a prohibitive waitlist.