School trigger laws enhance local control

Under the bill, if a majority of parents in an underperforming school sign a petition, they can force the school's transition to a charter school or force the firing of current administrators. Schools facing this prospect would be those getting a D or an F for at least two consecutive years on their state report card, or a D or F for two of three years if the most recent grade is low.

The concept has bipartisan support. Its authors are state Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, and state Sen. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa.

Too often, officials blame “student demographics” for poor school performance. In plain English, that translates: “Poor + minority = academic laggard.” Holt and Shumate rightfully reject that line of thinking. They believe all children can learn if a school is properly managed.

Some may question who would rush to assume oversight of a failing school once administrators are dismissed. That wasn't a problem when the parent trigger was used at an elementary school in Los Angeles. Eight providers, including six existing nonprofit charter school operators, quickly expressed interest.