Converting to charter schools enables rural districts in Oregon to survive

From The Portland Oregonian: The Elkton School District is one of a growing number of rural and remote school districts in Oregon that are using the charter school law to survive. In rural areas, a decline in revenue can wipe out a district's transportation staff, counselor and math and science teachers. Oregon's charter school law prevents districts from turning all their schools into charters. But if the district has only one K-12 school, state law provides an exception. And with the charter school designation comes access to $500,000 federal grants and fewer state requirements.