To the editor:
Until now, I was content to let those who are more eloquent (and PC) than I argue the case against a charter school in Gloucester.
That was until I read Erika Hansen's letter (The Times, Nov. 24).
She states that she supports the proposed school and that "people who want to create something positive and innovative for our community should be given a chance." She goes on to say how happy her children are at East Gloucester School and how her older daughter looks forward to attending O'Maley Middle School.
She also believes that the proposed charter school is being funded on "a very democratic model where the money follows the student." What she doesn't say is if she intends to enroll her children in the charter school if it is approved.
I think it's great that Ms. Hansen is so happy about the possibility of the charter school becoming a reality. I generally like happy people, but I do have a few questions for her and other proponents of the charter school.
Is it really very democratic that the Gloucester school district will have to pay the projected per-pupil expenditure of $10,000 for the 240 students ($2.4 million annually, after a three-year, phase-in period) who will attend the charter school, as opposed to $5,000 the city has to pay for each student who chooses to attend public school outside of Gloucester? Not that I believe school choice is very democratic, but that is a done deal and a topic for another day.
Is it fair that others who are currently attending or who hope to attend the "jewel of a neighborhood school," as she describes the East Gloucester Elementary School may not be able to if the proposed charter school is approved and it has to be closed?
What type of impact will removing $2.4 million from the district's annual budget have on O'Maley Middle School and the other district schools where administrators, teachers, staff, many parents and the Gloucester Education Foundation have worked so hard to make them better schools in the face of negativity, apathy and budget constraints? Yes, folks, there are those who try to make the schools we already have and pay for better, rather than run for the exits in pursuit of something that is perceived to be new or better.
My guess is that a lot of reasonable people's answers to these questions would be no, no and probably quite dire — including school closings, teacher layoffs, program cuts, higher fees, larger classes, etc. But then there are those charter school proponents including Ms. Hansen who believe this 2.4 million annual hit to the school budget need not have dire consequences if we just have "dialogue and partnership." Maybe they truly believe this, but then again maybe it's just a rationalization that helps them sleep at night.
That the proponents of the charter school continue to pursue their course in light of the impact it will have on the Gloucester Public Schools — and when there is a very real possibility that local aid will be cut further — is unconscionable.
I, for one, have grown quite tired of people who feel the need to get what they want regardless of how it impacts everyone else. It is unfortunate that this type of behavior is becoming more prevalent in our society today.
If you agree, please attend the public hearing at 4 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Fuller School and let these people know it.
John Doyle
East Main Street, Gloucester
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