February 27, 2014

Statement from community-based public charter schools: Public charter schools are making a difference in the lives of thousands of New York City children who need and deserve a high-quality public education. Our schools are working every day to fulfill the purpose of the charter law. We are improving student learning and achievement. We are increasing opportunities for students at-risk of academic failure. We are creating new professional opportunities for educators. We are expanding choices for parents and holding ourselves accountable for results. Many charter educators collaborate with their district colleagues, modeling for our students the respect and cooperation that will serve them well in life. The citys 183 public charter schools are part of the fabric of our city. We play a vibrant role in many communities, particularly those that are underserved, where over 70,000 families and students have chosen the charter option. Another 50,000 want the educational opportunities that we offer. Moving forward, there is a responsible and responsive approach that grows the sector to meet student needs, honors parent choice, and that shares innovative and effective practices among charter and district schools to promote system-wide success. For these and many other reasons, the future of the charter sector is intertwined with our citys larger system of public education. No one person or organization can, alone, realize the change our children need. And many public charter schools stand ready and eager to partner with the city to provide high-quality pre-kindergarten programs; to tackle the challenges facing middle and high schools; to build 21st century facilities; to serve our most vulnerable students; and to add new and high-quality enrichment opportunities. Doing so requires that we all work together as good neighbors with other public schools and carefully listen to and partner with the communities we serve. That we carry our fair share of responsibilities and have a fair share of resources to meet our obligations. It also requires that charters maintain key autonomies that allow for innovation to develop strategies that serve all children, particularly those who are underserved. Striking this balance isnt always easy, but its essential. This coming Tuesday, the mayor and a broad coalition of educators, community-based organizations, civic leaders, and faith-based communities will take their message to Albany to strengthen support for the administrations highest priorities. As members of the broader New York City education community, we believe that nothing should divide or detract from this message.

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A competing rally, being organized by some charter leaders and just for charter schools, is not the right approach at this time. While we respect these charter leaders' right to raise issues integral to the sectorincluding fair and permanent facilities funding for all public charter schools state-widewe have voiced these concerns in the past and will have future opportunities to do so. Tuesday is not a day to be divided. Those rallying in Albany next week should stand together with the city and advocateside by sidefor our children, particularly the most underserved, and all of whom are public school students. Signed by members of the community-based charter school steering committee and coalition members: Academy of the City Charter School Amber Charter School Bedford-Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School Beginning with Children Charter School 2 & Community Partnership Charter School Brooklyn Charter School Broome Street Academy Charter High School Central Queens Academy Charter School Children's Aid College Prep Charter School Community Roots Charter School DREAM Charter School Family Life Academy Charter School Future Leaders Institute Charter School Heketi Community Charter School Manhattan Charter School MESA Charter High School Mott Haven Academy Charter School New Visions Charter High Schools New York Center for Autism Charter School Opportunity Charter School Renaissance Charter High School for Innovation Renaissance Charter School Teaching Firms of Am. Prof Preparatory Charter School University Prep Charter High School (Additional signatories forthcoming) ###

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