To the editor:
I attended Tuesday's meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Education where the decision to approve the application of the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School was made.
While I was disappointed in the decision — simply put, I believe it will harm more students than it will help — I was much more upset by the lack of transparency of the process and the seemingly utter disregard for data, rational process, and the very objectives set forth for charter schools.
The members of the board who had bothered to read the wealth of information provided regarding the level of district and community commitment to innovation in Gloucester's public schools were clearly of the opinion that what is happening in Gloucester is precisely what the charter school mission is all about — innovative programs, involvement of the community in the education of its youth, leading to higher achievements by more students.
As one board member said, "Wwhy do they need a charter school when they are achieving what a charter school aims to achieve?"
It was egregious that Commissioner Chester argued that the quality of the local schools is not at issue, that the application stands on its own merits. His argument is specious on its face, but especially so because the crux of the charter school application is the "lack of innovation" in the district.
It is clear that facts have been ignored in this process and citizen opinion dismissed. The applicants failed to propose innovation beyond what is demonstrably happening in the schools. The board failed in its legal requirements to have board members present at the local hearing and failed to address issues raised by the opponents .
The result is that the public has not been served by our government. Gloucester, and indeed all of Massachusetts, deserves better, much better.
Maggie Rosa
Gloucester
