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Education Management Organizations (EMOs) have been seen as controversial throughout their history by many players in the education world; there exists support and opposition around the notion of privatization in education. As EMOs continue to grow in different contexts, whether it be making profits through online programs, or managing schools it is important to look at the political context of these issues.

Major Actors/ Big Coalitions

• EMOs have been viewed as a political contest between professional reformers, who are mostly educationists, and radical reformers who include business leaders and community activists. 
• “Supporters of market-based reforms also argue that the reforms will help to promote innovation and eliminate inefficiencies caused by bureaucratic red tape.  Giving schools more flexibility is a goal of the site-based management programs in many public school systems…” (Ladd, 2002).
• EMOs have held support in the past from Republican politicians, radicalized education activists, African American and Latino Community leaders, all who are dissatisfied with the current public education system, (Wilson, 2006)
• Teachers unions including the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association are all examples of the opposition to EMOs.
• The voices of teachers and parents and public constituents of districts have had the power in the past to sway the political district leanings on this topic.
• A parent voice for Philadelphia public schools known as Parents United, vehemently opposes EMOs in the Philadelphia school district.  They write, “We are appalled at the crass and blatant intrusion of politicians, Wall Street, and EMO executives to influence what should be an academic decision.”
• Community members in Philadelphia are not happy with the influx of EMOs in their schools. 

Political Barriers