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Dear Public Charter School Supporters and Friends,
This morning, approximately 200 current and former MA elected officials, teachers, district superintendents, public charter school leaders, members of the state education department, students, families, and community organizations gathered to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of the 1993 MA Education Reform Act, as well as to officially inaugurate Jeffrey Riley as the Commonwealth’s new Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.
As an education community in Massachusetts, we are spending time commemorating this anniversary because it is important to pause and reflect on the tangible impact that politically courageous policy can have on our children’s future.
When we, as a public charter sector, talk about our commitment to stronger classrooms that support stronger communities, we’re not referencing an abstract idea. We are talking about a focus on creating the conditions in our public schools so that real kids can go on to do real things that can have a real impact in our neighborhoods and beyond.
In that spirit, we asked Hazie Crespo to share her public charter school story with the world. Hazie — an Excel Academy Charter Schools alumna, teacher, board member, and parent — proves what is possible when political boldness and the incredible strength inside all of our Commonwealth’s kids collide with great teaching in a supportive and nurturing school environment. But don’t take it from me: watch the video, RT it here, share it on Facebook here, and like it on Instagram here.
The last couple of decades of education innovation in the Commonwealth have been filled with inspiring stories like Hazie’s. As we celebrate these achievements on behalf of our kids, we must continue to remind ourselves that there is much more to be done.
In order to truly serve all students, the next 25 years will require even more political courage. As a public charter sector we commit to partnering, evolving, and growing to meet the unique needs of our state’s kids and families.
We live in a time when many of the images we see are those of Black and Brown bodies being broken, battered, and bruised.
[All Say] We must show our children a counternarrative. The real story.
[All Say] A story of pride. A story of power. A story of royalty and a rich legacy.
[All Say] You are kings. You are queens.
As we come together today, it is important to celebrate the beauty and brilliance of African heritage and the diaspora.
Tim Nicolette,
Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
