Sacramento, CA – Today, the Assembly Education Committee heard AB 1505, 1506 and 1507, an extreme and divisive package of bills sponsored by the California Teachers Association (CTA) that scapegoats charter school families to obscure the failure of school districts. Led by Assembly Education Chair Patrick O’Donnell, the extreme package of bills was passed out of Committee and awaits further action.
The following statement is from Myrna Castrejón, President and CEO, California Charter Schools Association (CCSA):
"Today’s vote by Sacramento politicians was a setback for parents and kids wanting better public schools that put their needs first. But the fight is far from over; we will not accept legislation that forces students out of schools where they are finding success, often for the first time. We must work together to balance the very real needs of local school districts with the needs of our students who deserve schools where they can learn and thrive. This is especially important in communities where good schools are too few. The needs of our students should always come before politics.”
This morning, at a press conference hosted by CCSA, African American faith leaders and charter school parents and families fought back against a poisonous bill package, authored by Assemblymembers Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita). Hundreds of community members took a stand today in support of California’s students and the charter schools that are helping them learn and thrive.
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About California's Charter Schools
California's charter schools are public schools built to put the needs of students first. Public, free, and open to all, charter schools are a valuable part of our public education system. They offer a different approach -- one that is as unique as the kids they serve, one that puts kids above bureaucracy, and one that gives passionate teachers the flexibility to create dynamic lesson plans tailored to kids' individual needs. As a result, charter schools send more kids to college and are preparing more kids for the jobs of tomorrow.