Newly released data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) documents the number of children on charter public school wait lists at nearly 45,000.  These children and their families are waiting for a chance at the high quality education that charter public schools provide and need you to say “Yes” to supporting legislation to lift the cap on charter public school enrollment.

A bill to lift the cap, H4108, was passed by the Massachusetts House in May and awaits action in the Senate.  I am writing to urge your support of this bill.

Charter public schools in Massachusetts are open to all students and have demonstrated strong educational outcomes across the Commonwealth.

·         Charter school students in Boston, Lawrence, Holyoke, Springfield and other urban areas, where charters serve  mostly  low income children and students of color are ranking among the highest in the state on MCAS.

·         Among Boston charter public high schools, special education enrollment is higher than the district average, and the highest performing charter public schools have higher special education populations than the highest performing district schools.

·         Boston charter public schools have a more stable enrollment than Boston district schools, with less frequent student transfers throughout the year and from year to year.

·         Education is a key predictor in lifelong success.  And charter public schools are closing the educational equity gap.  Demand is high and more seats are needed.