What does all this discussion of charters have to do with Colorado?  The most desirable school district in the state, Cherry Creek, has only ONE charter school that was built in the 1990's.  It succeeds almost only with well-funded neighborhood schools that have stable, happy teaching staffs.  Colorado has a formula for success of public education in wealthy neighborhoods (which it should).  In targeted areas with students mired in difficult life circumstances, charters with a high expectation/high support format (even partial week boarding) are an excellent use of Other People's Money.  However, it would be enlightened non-profit organizations, rather than the free market, to whom we should turn to develop this type of school.