Thousands of Californians made their voices heard to protect high-quality education opportunities that charter public schools provide
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, following the Assembly’s decision to move AB 1316 (O’Donnell) to the inactive file, California Charter Schools Association President and CEO Myrna Castrejón applauded actions by the Assembly to recognize the importance of the education opportunities provided by California’s 1,300 charter public schools and the approximately 700,000 students they serve:
“Today’s decision to move AB 1316 to the inactive file this year was a show of support for the high-quality educational options that charter public schools have provided California’s students throughout the pandemic and over the last thirty years. AB 1316 would have reduced and diverted education funds away from students and classrooms to be spent instead on bureaucracy and would have limited flexibility and educational opportunities. It would have effectively forced many schools to close down.
“Teachers, parents, and students from across the state came together to make their voices heard and highlight the importance of charter public schools in communities across the state. Over 5,000 Californians called their legislators to express their opposition to this bill. Countless others met with their legislators, rallied outside their offices, and emailed. AB 1316 would have caused more disruption and instability in our public schools at a time when students are returning to in-person learning and when families are requesting more flexible schedules and options.
“The campaign against AB 1316 reflected the value of the programs that the bill targeted and the need to protect the flexibility and programs that many students rely on to continue their education, including working students, teen parents, migrant students, and students with disabilities. Charter public schools have consistently provided a high-quality educational option for the most vulnerable students in our state.
“We need to continue to provide all of our students the high-quality educational opportunities that allow them the best chance to succeed—regardless of income, zip code, or personal situation. It was the students who rely on California’s charter public schools that were truly victorious today.”