The toilets might not always work, scissors may be in short supply, and the occasional mice may run through the cafeteria, but despite its heavy satire, there’s something truly magical about the world created by the TV sitcom Abbott Elementary. America has fallen in love with the deeply caring, resourceful, and committed educators and staff of this fictitious Philadelphia public school.
Perhaps that’s why it has felt especially heartbreaking to see the ways in which Abbott Elementary has vilified public charter schools this season—forcing a false choice between traditional and charter public schools and reinforcing misperceptions about a public school model serving 3.7 million students nationwide.
Spoiler alert – the storyline for season two pits Legendary Schools, a local public charter network, against Abbott—with problematic asides about public charter schools peppered throughout the season. Characters say that public charter schools see “scores not students,” hurt teachers, and even quip that the head of Legendary should be “somewhere shutting down an orphanage.”
These comments undermine the choices of parents and families and perpetuate stereotypes about public charter schools that fuel distrust and division.
For more than two decades, parents–particularly Black and Latino parents and those from lower-income backgrounds—have demanded more public school options so that they have the opportunity to choose the best environment for their individual children. The privilege of having options has long existed for more affluent families who have the necessary resources to exercise public school choice by relocating to a different zip code. To say the least, other parents and families want that same level of choice when deciding upon their own children’s educational and social needs.
In my family like most, education was always a priority. My parents emphasized time and again that a strong education opened doors and opportunities, and I was fortunate enough to be able to choose a public high school that best met my academic needs—paving the way for me to get two masters degrees, including one in education. But too many families, particularly those in historically-marginalized communities, have been denied this chance.
Thankfully, in New York and in other parts of the country, public charter schools have started to change that narrative and that’s why parents are clamoring for more of them. In New York City, 141,000 students attend public charter schools—more than 80% of whom are considered economically disadvantaged. Recent polling from Morning Consult and my organization, Democrats for Education Reform NY, found that 64% of parents support raising the arbitrary cap so that they can create more public charter school seats in the city.
Most importantly, New York’s public charter schools have been effective in helping to raise student achievement. New York City’s public charters must adhere to strict State authorization standards, or they risk being closed. In fact, 2022 test scores show that students attending public charter schools continue to outperform state averages in math and reading.
Recently, our organization joined with over 500 parents, school leaders, students, and advocates to rally at City Hall in support of more high quality charter schools for New York students. The event reflected how instrumental public charter schools have been in building fruitful futures for New York students and families, and how their successes have inspired elected officials.
When public schools are pitted against one another—even in fiction—our students are always the losers. I applaud Abbott for celebrating excellent educators as the everyday heroes that they are, but I hope the writers can find a new antagonist that won’t stigmatize real world students and families.
Jacquelyn Martell is the Executive Director for DFER New York.
(New York City) More than one thousand public school parents, students and teachers gathered near City Hall Park calling for better education options for their children. They traveled from across New York City joining city and state lawmakers who support raising the cap on public charter schools and improving education equity in New York City.
A recent poll from DFER NY shows 64% of New York City parents support raising the arbitrary cap on public charter schools. Currently, state law prevents new public charter schools from opening in New York City, but Governor Hochul is calling for removing the regional cap on charters.
Year after year, public charter schools improve results for students across New York City and put their students on the path to college and successful careers. Parents know this and that’s why enrollment increased at public charter schools and 15% of all public school students in NYC attend charter schools. Of the 141,000 charter school students, more than 80% are considered economically disadvantaged. Families from historically underserved communities send their children to charter schools because they want a better future for their kids and it starts with attending a high quality school, with leaders and teachers of color.
“My son is an 11th-grade charter student. Thanks to his hard work, and his teachers’ creativity and dedication, he’s excelling in school,” said Harlem public charter parent Kathryn Marrow. “But all across this city, families are stuck in schools that don’t work for their kids. It isn’t fair. And it has to stop now. Raise the Cap!”
“I might not have discovered my career without my charter school,” said MESA public charter high school graduate Cynthia Estevez. “Now, I want to make sure more students have the same opportunities I had. That’s why I’m calling on the State Legislature to support Governor Hochul and raise the charter cap.”
“I am amazed by the improvement I’ve seen since my son arrived at his charter school. I feel lucky every day he is enrolled there,” said Bronx public charter parent Arlene Rosado. “But it shouldn’t be about luck. Every parent deserves the same opportunities I had. That’s why the State Legislature should join Governor Hochul in lifting the charter cap.”
“I’ve been around New York City schools for a long time, and I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen district schools and I’ve seen charter schools. And I’ll tell you what I’ve learned: a great school system needs both,” said Brooklyn public charter grandparent Anyta Brown. “Albany should give every parent here, and every parent across the city, the choice they deserve. They know what’s best – and I know they’ll make the right decision for their child.”
“For too long policy makers and education officials have ignored the negative impact of vast racial equity gaps in public schools, across both charters and district, from a lack of Black and Brown teachers to a dearth of Black and Brown charter founders. The READ Act provides the Governor and state legislators an opportunity to make meaningful progress to right these wrongs. Representation matters—the data says so, and now as you hear from so many of us, the community, the people say so as well,” Rafiq Kalam Id-Din II, Founder & Managing Partner of Ember Charter Schools.
“We have a proven education model that helps Bronx students thrive both in and out of the classroom – all we’re asking for is the opportunity to reach more kids, but the charter cap continues to stand in the way,” said Denise Alexander, Executive Director of The Bronx Charter School for Children. “The solution is simple – let’s lift the cap, revive the “zombie charters”, and work together to improve outcomes for all New York City Children.
“While KIPP is not looking to apply for new charters right now, we know that it’s critical for new operators – particularly leaders of color – to have the opportunity to open new, innovative schools in the communities that need it most. Today, we’re standing together to send a clear message – we need more great schools in our communities. We need to lift the cap!,” said Alicia Johnson, President KIPP NYC.
“Parents in my district constantly raise the issue of finding a good community school for their child to attend in their community. Public charter schools provide that opportunity; that’s why I support raising the cap. We need to give Brooklyn families access to more high-quality education,” said Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham.
“As a proud charter parent in our legislature, I’m working hard to bring parent choice to the families I serve in the Bronx. That starts by listening to the New Yorkers I stood with today,” said Bronx Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. “Lifting the charter cap will give parents the choices they deserve for their children’s future. It’s the right decision for our borough and our state, and I look forward to making the case to my fellow legislators this session.”
“Parents across New York City deserve to have a choice when it comes to enrolling their child in school. That includes everything from yeshivas to parochial schools and public charter schools. We need to empower parents and give them better options,” said Manhattan Assembly Member Al Taylor.
“Governor Hochul laid an important foundation and now it is time for state legislative leaders to also listen to parents. Time and time again, charter schools have improved academic outcomes for children living in high-need communities. New York must improve education equity in communities of color and that starts with giving the green light to open more charter schools to meet the needs of parents,” said DFER NY Executive Director Jacquelyn Martell.
“New York City parents are fired up and ready to go,” said Crystal McQueen-Taylor, Executive Director of StudentsFirstNY. “Parents have been completely ignored and denied in the conversation about charter schools, and today they will be heard. Public charter schools have given Black and brown parents the opportunity to choose the best public education option for their children, and that opportunity should be available for every parent who wants it. And as a charter parent myself, I’m proud to stand alongside other parents who are standing up for their neighbors who deserve the same access to a great public education.”
“Families know what’s best for their children and should be encouraged to find the school that best meets their families’ needs. NYCSA stands in full support of parents who want to exercise their right to choose the best school for their child. Charter schools serve children well and are a great public school option. Removing the limit on public charter schools means more great public school options are available for students,” said Yomika Bennett, Executive Director of New York Charter Schools Association.
“I’ve spent years working to empower Latina girls in the Bronx to strive for success, and I’ve dreamed of taking that same passion and applying it to open a charter school right here in the community – but I can’t unless we lift the cap,” said Claudia Espinosa, founder of L.O.V.E. Mentoring. “This isn’t about politics – it’s about breaking down barriers and ensuring that families in our community have the freedom to choose the education that’s best for them.”
(Washington, D.C.) March 3, 2023 — Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) Executive Director Jessica Giles released the following statement after President Biden’s announcement that he will sign the GOP-led disapproval resolution of the D.C. criminal code revision. If enacted, it will be the first time a disapproval resolution has nullified a local D.C. law in three decades.
“Regardless of where one stands on this legislation, this is a deeply disappointing development for Democracy, D.C. home rule, and D.C. residents’ longstanding fight for equality and self-governance,” Giles said. “It is especially disappointing that our fellow Democrats have turned their back on D.C. statehood.”
Giles continued, “Voters of the District of Columbia deserve to have their voices heard without federal representatives — who have no affiliation with Washington, D.C. — inserting themselves into local affairs.”
“I urge President Biden and federal lawmakers to realize that this paternalistic, anti-democratic Republican-led opposition is anti-American and to oppose any efforts to force Congress’ views upon D.C. residents. Let local politics be handled locally.”
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About DFER D.C.
DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website here.
(Washington, D.C.) February 17, 2023 – In response to Mayor Bowser’s announcement proposing a 5.05 % increase in per pupil funding in the fiscal year 2024, Jessica Giles, executive director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.), released the following statement:
“We applaud the Mayor for increasing the per-student funding formula to 5% and providing additional funds to support increases in salaries in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools.
We encourage the Mayor and D.C. Council to pass a budget that invests in equitable resources for all schools; ensures all educators receive high-quality preparation and support; offers affordable and high-quality postsecondary education opportunities; and provides safe, stable, and positive learning environments for all students.”
DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2023) — In response to the release of the official curriculum for the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) course in African American Studies, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC), released the following statement:
“The College Board’s decision to water down AP African American Studies is shameful.
Black people are trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming. The erasure of Black identity is racist. Every person on this earth has intersecting identities, which shape our lived experiences.
Upwards of 26 million people in nearly 550 places protested police brutality in 2020, making Black Lives Matter (BLM) the largest movement in U.S. history. To remove BLM’s contributions from the story of African American life and struggle is negligent.
Lastly, wealth and resource extraction is a central part of the Black American experience, making the case for reparations an essential lesson for students.
Students have the right to learn about African American stories, history, culture, and contributions, fully and unfiltered. 63% of students in Washington, D.C., are Black/African American and D.C. public schools are currently offering this course to students.
DFER DC is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies.
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Jan. 29, 2023) — A new poll released by Democrats for Education Reform New York (DFER NY) conducted by Morning Consult found New York City Democratic voters have a favorable view of public charter schools and strongly support raising the arbitrary cap on the number of public charters in the state by a wide margin. The poll found New Yorkers have a favorable view of charter schools by a 19-percentage point margin (46% favorable to 27% unfavorable) with all registered voters and by an even wider broader support among New Yorkers identifying as Democrats (49%-25%).
The results are comparable when asked about raising the charter cap. When asked:
“Do you support or oppose New York state increasing the cap on the number of public charter schools allowed to open in New York City?,”
51% of Democratic respondents support raising the cap, compared to 27% opposing it
That’s a 24 point margin.
53%, a majority of Hispanic New Yorkers (+27) and 48% of Black New Yorkers also support a cap raise (+25)
64% of respondents who identify as Parents (+41) support a cap raise, as well.
Support for public charter schools in the poll continued to grow among Democratic voters (342 of the 600 voters) surveyed as they received more details and information about charters.
After messaging, 59% of Democratic voters had a favorable impression of public charter schools (+10 since initially asking), to 58% for Hispanic voters, 61% for Black voters and 70% for Parents.
After messaging, both positive and negative about charters. Support, among Democrats, for raising the cap increased to 56% (+5 from the initial ask), to 56% for Hispanic voters, and 61% for Black voters.
After messaging, both positive and negative about charters. Support, among Parents, for raising the cap increased to 68% (+4 from the initial ask)
“New Yorkers always want more choices, and this poll shows that includes more high quality choices in the public school system. For too long, families in some of the poorest communities have been denied the opportunity to select the best school for their families. Public charter schools ensure every family has high-quality options, and we look forward to working with leaders in Albany to lift the cap on public charters,” said DFER NY Executive Director Jacquelyn Martell.
“For far too many families in Brooklyn, they lack a quality public school to send their children. These results prove more New Yorkers want more choices and that includes public charter schools. We need to raise the cap to empower New York families,” said Brooklyn Assemblymember Brian Cunningham.
“The results from this poll mirror what I am hearing from the parents and families in my district: they want more choices and more high-quality public schools. That’s why I support having conversations on how we can bridge the gap and provide our students with a competitive education,” said Bronx Assemblymember George Alvarez.
You can view the full poll here. Crosstabs are available upon request.
Methodology
This poll was conducted by Morning Consult between January 23-January 24, 2023, among a sample of 600 New York City Voters, 342 of whom identified as Democrats. The interviews were conducted online and weighted to gender, age, race, and education. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/-4% percentage points. The margin of error for Democrats is +/-5% percentage points.
A recent analysis by the Boston Schools Fund found enrollment declined for the eighth straight year in 2022 and is down 15.3 percent since 2014, a loss of more than 8,000 students — most of them Black students. More than 60 percent of BPS schools had a decrease in enrollment over the past five years.
Yet BPS continues to operate 125 school buildings with a capacity to serve 55,200 students — 6,900 more than are currently enrolled. Demographic trends show that Boston will need fewer schools as time goes on, not more. Underutilized buildings cost the same to run as fully enrolled schools, but BPS is operating and transporting students to — at a minimum — 16 more school buildings than it needs.
This poses fiscal, educational, and environmental challenges.
Because funding is based on enrollment, underenrolled schools have less money to pay bills and ensure students have the schoolwide resources, academic supports, and staffing they need to learn.”
BATON ROUGE, L.A. (JAN. 6, 2023) – Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA) Executive Director Terrence Lockett released the below statement congratulating Dadrius Lanus and Carla Powell who were voted as president and vice president of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, respectively, yesterday.
Their appointments mark the first time that a Black individual has served as the president and vice president at the same time in modern history.
“We are pleased to see that the Baton Rouge School Board shares DFER LA’s confidence in Dadrius and Carla’s ability to lead on behalf of the district’s students. Both Dadrius and Carla bring their experience as educators to their roles, along with a deep commitment to improving public education outcomes.
I look forward to working with both Dadrius and Carla, along with the rest of the school board, in our continued advocacy of a high quality, equitable education for Baton Rouge children.”
DFER LA’s partner organization, Education Reform Now Advocacy, a 501c4 organization, ran independent expenditure campaigns during the general election in support of both Lanus’ and Powell’s campaigns.
In 2022 DFER spent $6.1 million to help elect 125 Democratic leaders, including six US Senators, 23 U.S. Representatives, Governors in Colorado, New York, and Connecticut, Mayor Bowser in Washington D.C., and legislative champions in 15 legislative bodies across the country.
Additionally, eight alumni of our Leaders of Color program proudly ran in the midterm elections in Louisiana, New York, and Washington, D.C, with six candidates claiming victory. Taken together, these newly elected leaders join 17 Leaders of Color who have been elected or appointed across program sites this year!
See a full summary of all DFER and ERNA-supported wins here.
Launched DFER Texas
In August, we proudly launched our newest state chapter in the Lone Star State. Last month, DFER Texas and its aligned PAC, Legacy 44 (L44), successfully won three of the four general electionraces for the Texas House, in addition to successful victories by L44 supported primary candidates in safe Democratic districts. The 2022 investments made by DFER and L44 have helped solidify and expand the bloc of pro-education reform Democrats at the Texas Capitol as we approach the next legislative session.
Protected Public School Choice
DFER co-led an effort to protect $440 million in federal funding for public charter schools serving 3.4 million students nationwide. Specifically, when anti-charter forces proposed a $40 million cut to CSP during the Appropriations process, DFER met with and mobilized key Members to restore funding to the full $440 million including influential Members on both the House Appropriations Committee, and the House and Senate Education Committees. Similarly, during the regulatory fight over proposed rules that would restrict charter access to federal funds, we met and appealed to multiple senior Biden Administration officials directly. This group effort convinced the USDOE to roll back the most harmful rules and to respond in a way that, while not optimal, is workable to ensure that high-quality charters continue to access federal funds. Furthermore, we’ve laid the groundwork to protect an additional $440 million in federal funds for next year’s (FY23) budget. DFER partner chapters in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut all secured wins to make funding for public charter more equitable, and our teams in Massachusetts, and Louisiana defeated anti-charter legislation.
ARP Advocacy: Reports & Resources
Leveraging a report focused on understanding how states are allocating educational funds earmarked by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), ERN’s national team worked with representatives in five states to strengthen their ARP plans to better serve students. In the analysis, states were assigned a “traffic light” rating in five categories along with a composite rating. Only seven states earned the highest “green” rating, and a whopping 19 state plans were designated a concerning “red light.”
To help navigate important federal COVID relief funds—designated by ARP—ERN put together a curated toolkit, to highlight and streamline a selection of resources from a host of organizations, including ERN, that help state-level officials, families, communities, schools, and district leaders better understand how ARP education funds are being allocated. You can download the ARP Resource Document, or explore the toolkit for more information on ERN’s involvement and more.
Addressed Literacy Gaps
Following on ERN Connecticut‘s landmark “Right to Read” legislation last year, the team worked to ensure a strong ally was appointed as Director of the state’s new Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success, the hub of this statewide literacy effort. Implementation has now begun in earnest, with the release of a state-approved list of early literacy curricula, from which every public school district must choose next year. Earlier this month, Director Amy Dowell appeared on a panel on the Science of Reading with Emily Hanford, Dr. Kymyona Burk, and other leading experts.
Earlier this year, ERN D.C. successfully advocated for the passage of the “Structured Literacy Training Action Plan” into law. This legislation requires structured literacy training for D.C. Public School teachers, provides a $2,000 stipend for those who complete the training, and creates a task force to expand training and support to public charter schools. ERN D.C. also partnered with Decoding Dyslexia D.C. to hold a two-day Right to Read Literacy Conference with 17 speakers, including D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant, and Ward 2 Representative Allister Chang. As a result of the literacy conference, ERN D.C. and partners proposed several recommendations for improving literacy in the District of Columbia.
Maintained Statewide, Annual Assessments
ERN’s federal policy team led a coalition of civil rights and reform advocates that successfully lobbied the US Department of Education to prevent the issuance of blanket assessment waivers to states. In our states, ERN Colorado worked to ensure schools and districts could access necessary supports and interventions based on post-pandemic summative assessments; DFER affiliate ERN Massachusetts successfully lobbied the state’s Education Committee to reject all anti-accountability bills; and DFER affiliate ERN Louisiana fought to prevent a potential waiving of statewide graduation requirements.
To combat the misinformation that abounds when it comes to annual, summative assessments, ERN also created the Essential Assessment Toolkit: a go-to guide for families, advocates, district and school leaders, and State Education Agencies. The resources created were intended to support critical conversations on why students take an annual, summative assessment, why this assessment matters, and how districts and states can improve their assessment systems to better support student achievement.
Fought for Fairer College Admissions
In March, ERN National and our New York chapter joined New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker to introduce The Fair College Admissions Act (Senate Bill S8498), which is aimed at banning legacy preference and the binding early college admission policies that discriminate against racial minority, working class, and low-income students. ERN and Leaders of Color co-hosted a press conference with Senator Gounardes and Assemblywoman Walker to discuss the bill and its impact on improving access and equity in higher education, during which several Leaders of Color fellow and alumni spoke.
ERN Connecticut supported the introduction of a bill that would put an end to the practice of using legacy preferences during the college admissions process in their state. ERN CT also advanced a bill to end the withholding of college transcripts from students with debts. Last year, ERN Colorado helped make its state the first in the nation to ban legacy preference in higher education.
In addition, ERN released a series of three issue briefs identifying areas (Early Decision, Legacy Admissions, Transparency & Accountability) of the admissions process at selective colleges and universities that demand reform. Admissions reform to expand access and opportunity for underrepresented students and to increase diversity on campuses is long overdue, but it has become imperative in light of the likelihood that United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) will strike down the use of race-conscious admissions policies in its current term. The reports received coverage in USA Today, Forbes, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, NPR and Education Dive, among others.
Following the SCOTUS hearings on affirmative action, ERN hosted a debrief on the hearing, with record-setting attendance. The conversation was moderated by The Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Eric Hoover, and featured:
Marie Bigham, Founder and Executive Director, ACCEPT,
Art Coleman, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, EducationCounsel,
Genzie Bonadies Torres, Associate Director for the Educational Opportunities Project, Lawyers, Committee for Human Rights under Civil Law,
Michaele Turnage Young, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and
James Murphy, Senior Policy Analyst, Education Reform Now.
Advocated for Resource Equity
One big highlight of ERN’s work to address resource equity comes from ERN D.C. who successfully advocated for the passage of three pivotal bills:
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson included two new concentration at-risk weights in the per student funding formula for a total of $10.4 million in recurring funding for D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools that serve high populations of students furthest from opportunity.
ERN D.C. successfully advocated for the passage of the “Uniform Per Student Funding Formula Adequacy Study” into law, which studies the costs and expenses associated with operating D.C. Public Schools, and public charter schools, included and excluded from the per student funding formula.
ERN D.C. advocated for ways to retain educators in the District. This work culminated in the passage of the Educators Housing Incentive Amendment Act of 2022, which expands a current homeowner financial assistance program to educators.
Hosted 7th Philos Conference
Last month, over 180 policymakers, advocates, donors, and reporters attended ERN’s seventh Philos Conference in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Leading Forward: From Crisis to Opportunity,” challenged attendees to take action to turn the crisis of the pandemic and the longtime crisis of inequity in our education system into opportunity for students.
Honorees included:
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser
National Urban League President Marc Morial
National Parents Union Founder and President Keri Rodrigues
U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, and
Massachusetts Representative Chynah Tyler.
Panelists included U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, CNN Senior Political Analyst Ron Brownstein, DGA Executive Director Noam Lee, New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, D.C. Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant, and CT Senator Patricia Billie Miller.
Above (left to right): Politico Reporter Juan Perez, Jr., CNN Senior Political Analyst Ron Brownstein, DGA Executive Director Noam Lee, Impact Research Principal Molly Murphy, and Voto Latino Vice President Kenny Sandoval. Below (Clockwise from top left):New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, Washington, D.C., State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley.
Leaders of Color
To date, Education Reform Now’s Leaders of Color program has grown to include:
210 alumni of the program
82 leaders in non-elected positions of influence
26 Fellows appointed to community / non-profit boards
34 Fellows involved in active advocacy campaigns
6 Fellows who have founded own non-profits
Leaders of Color 2022 Advocacy Highlights:
Leaders of Color D.C.: Charter parent and Leaders of Color D.C. alumna LaJoy Johnson-Law worked in collaboration with Vice President Harris to expand broadband access to over 11.5 million low-income households.
Leaders of Color Louisiana: Alumni led a successful initiative for a new property tax measure that will fund pre-K at $20 million over the next five years and create more than 1,000 early childhood seats for children from low-income families.
Leaders of Color New York: Alumna Natasha Cherry-Perez led a project to inform, train, and support over 400 parents who are a part of the New York State Charter Parent Council to meet with and promote charters to elected officials across the state; testify at City Council and State hearings; and send close to 30 letters to NYS Regents (and counting) in support of charters. Additionally, Cherry-Perez’s group registered 140 voters.
Leaders of Color Memphis: Among many achievements, alums Sheleah Harris and Frank Johnson both fought for public school choice by voting against the closure of four charter schools in Memphis, keeping the schools open.
