As a teacher on the front line of educating children every day, I know how challenging it can be to help struggling students become successful. Initiative 1240 offers another option, within our public school system, to provide more flexible learning environments for kids who may be struggling.

A yes vote on 1240 will allow up to 40 public charter schools in our state over the next five years. The most important thing to know about charter schools is that they are public schools. Public charter schools that are free and open to all students. No money leaves the public school system. Public charter schools simply provide another public school enrollment option.

Currently, 41 other states already provide parents with the option of having their child attend a public charter school. It's time for Washington to catch up! There's a reason public charters are so popular in other states - they get results. Many studies, including one from our own University of Washington, have concluded that public charter schools are successful in helping struggling students succeed. We should have this option available to families in Washington as well.

This November, I am voting yes on 1240. I encourage you to visit Yeson1240.com to find out more about this important initiative. And I hope you'll join me and many other teachers around the state in voting yes on Initiative 1240.

Todd Hausman

Bellingham