Testimony of Representative Chynah Tyler, Joint Committee on Education, In Opposition to Bills That Would Harm Charter Public Schools

Good morning, Chair Gordon, Chair Lewis, and members of the Committee. 

I come before you today as the first charter public school graduate in the nation to be elected to serve as a state legislator. I am honored to be here alongside fellow proud charter graduates. 

I grew up in Roxbury and had the privilege of attending charter public schools for both middle and high school. At both schools, I was challenged, supported, seen, loved, and inspired. Both schools had a strong focus on civics, providing opportunities to not only learn about important issues but become involved. My experiences ignited a fire in me that led me to where I am today. I have absolutely no doubt that my life would look very different if I had not attended charter public schools, including the fact that I probably would not have run for public office.

As the representative of the 7th Suffolk, I represent many families who have made the same decision my family made – the decision to enroll their children in a charter public school. As parents, we would do anything to give our children what we believe is right for them. Many parents with financial means, including some of my colleagues, enroll their children in private schools or move to wealthy communities with exceptional traditional public schools. All families – not just wealthy families – should have the opportunity to access high-quality public school options that enable their children to thrive. 

Many of the bills before you today would hurt charter public schools. Some propose significant reductions in charter public school funding and enrollment – so significant that life-changing schools would be forced to close. Closing public schools that are helping kids, like me, grow and succeed is never the answer. These proposals will only hurt our children and our communities. 

Charter public schools completely changed my life, and they’re doing the same for thousands of other children. Please do not support bills that will hurt students, families, and public schools.  

Thank you.