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

Good afternoon. My name is Luciana Hayner, and I am honored to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School. Today, I represent the 700 committed citizens who volunteer their time on charter public school boards. 

A charter public school board is like a district school committee. We are a government body. We follow Open Meeting Law and other relevant laws. The board is ultimately responsible for the performance of the school. The board must ensure that the school delivers a strong academic program, responsibly uses public funds, and maintains fidelity to the charter. This is a responsibility that boards do not take lightly. Because while our schools are afforded greater autonomy than traditional public schools, that greater autonomy is paired with greater accountability. 

Our schools are overseen by DESE. Every year, each school files extensive reports with the Department, including a comprehensive public financial audit. In fact, our state’s authorizing process is considered among the most rigorous in the nation. 

I became a member of the Parker board because I believe deeply in the Parker model. I know because I am a Parker parent. I firmly believe that families need to be included when decisions are made about their children’s education. 

Policy decisions that impact children cannot and should not be made without family input – especially during moments like this when educational access is on the line.

Charter public schools are just that – public schools. Thanks to rigorous oversight, they are making a real difference for kids, families, and communities. If you are truly invested in making good use of our public funds, you will support charter public schools. Please do not close schools that are instrumental to our kids’ success. 

Thank you.