Unit 5's proposed expansion provides a needed community solution addressing district growth while remaining committed to our youngest citizens.

While I fully support the proposed expansion and related expenditures, I urge our community to consider future options that include progressive educational alternatives.

Developing a charter school is one such option.

Charter schools are independent public schools designed to meet our children's diverse needs. Charters are fully accountable to state and federal mandates and assessment; they have more freedom, however, in terms of curricular design and implementation.

Although charter schools are funded through public dollars, they receive less per-pupil public funding than their district counterparts.

Research has consistently shown that, as opposed to draining existing public school dollars, well-designed charter schools - which are public schools - enhance educational opportunity and choice within communities and thus have a positive impact on the entire school system.

The mission and programming of charters can be designed to complement community educational needs in a qualitatively unique manner.

For example, some U.S. charter schools focus on gifted programming; others provide support for children who are at-risk for school failure; others provide fully inclusive programming supportive of diverse student abilities; and still others address societal issues, including healthy living and education for sustainability.

Many charter schools address a combination of these factors; again, community needs shape creative programming within these public programs.

Charters provide opportunities for unique collaborations.

Chicago's Renaissance 2010 program is a leader in the charter school movement and draws heavily from institutions of higher learning and business organizations to guide innovative practices.

Within our own community, a charter school could provide rich opportunities for collaboration between Unit 5, District 87 and our own extensive academic, cultural, business and agricultural institutions.

Johnna Darragh

Bloomington