Charter schools defy recession - 89 set to open

The San Francisco Chronicle reports:

Public charter schools in California are skirting the worst impact of the state's budget crisis while traditional public schools shorten the school year, increase class sizes and lay off teachers and staff by the thousands.

Nearly 90 more charter schools could open this fall, helped in many cases by an infusion of federal government and philanthropic support. Many of the schools are cutting costs by hiring less-experienced teachers who earn lower salaries than veteran teachers.