Testimony of Ginny Tang, Joint Committee on Education, In Opposition to Bills That Would Harm Charter Public Schools

Good afternoon. My name is Ginny Tang. I am a resident of Bedford – a proud constituent of yours for many years, Chair Gordon – and I am the parent of a charter public school graduate. We are here on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of former, current, and hopeful future charter public school families. 

I spent my career teaching in traditional public schools. I know what excellent education looks like, and I am a firm believer in the power of public education.

I’m also a mom to two equally wonderful but very different children. My daughter thrived in our community’s traditional public schools. My son did not. 

A teacher once told him, “If you’re not going to work, just leave.” So he did. He walked out of school. It was a cry for help. My son did not feel like he belonged at school, because he was a square peg in a round hole. We were facing a mental health crisis, and his school showed no little capacity to meet his needs. 

Then, we learned about Parker Charter – a school in Devens, a 40-minute drive from our home. At Parker, my son flourished. Teachers took the time to truly understand him. There were no traditional grades – just a focus on skill mastery; kids helping other kids get better. But even more importantly, his teachers truly saw my son’s individual needs, met them and reignited his love of learning.

Parker saved my son’s life.

As an educator, I appreciate Parker’s eagerness to host other teachers, share Parker’s philosophy, and help all schools improve. 

Public education needs all of us – traditional public schools and charter public schools. We provide options that can save lives. 

If you truly care about mental health and equity, vote no on these proposals that will hurt schools like ours. 

Thank you.