The way that the state of Georgia calculates charter school enrollment, it would initially appear as though it has exploded. Georgia Department of Education information shows that it has doubled in the last three school years. 

But the real growth lies with traditional school districts that have decided to operate like a system of charter schools. The definitions of the "charter system" and for the individual schools that open within a traditional school system can be found here.

It's worth noting that the idea of school districts adopting a charter system is unique in the U.S.

Bibb County's charter enrollment comes from the individual schools that have opened or will open in the fall. That's fairly unusual, considering the slow rate of growth in the opening of independent charter schools in Georgia. 

Last fall, the Academy for Classical Education charter school opened, teaching students up to eighth grade (eventually it will serve students up to 12th grade). This coming fall, the Macon Charter Academy plans to start classes and has already filled the slots for students from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Louis Erste, the state's associate superintendent who oversees charter schools, says that Bibb County's situation is unusual in the state.

"There is no big urban district that had no charter schools and suddenly (the school board) approved two," said Erste. "So they are unique in that regard."

Bibb County Chief Financial Officer Ron Collier has made presentations on its proposed budget. The Telegraph in Macon reported that the 62 positions the district plans to cut may not be enough to balance the books. And the district's presentation shows an adjustment to the transfer in money for charter school enrollment as one of the reasons for the shift.

Economic culprits also include a cut in the state financial support to school districts that have less ability to raise money through property taxes; and an increase in the cost of health insurance to school employees because of new state policy.

Tags: charter school, charter, education, Bibb County Schools, Bibb County School District, Georgia Department of Education