Just say no to charter schools explosion in Massachusetts

By Angela Rubenstein

I have worked for more than 10 years in traditional public schools, charter schools and the central office of a large urban school district. Based on my experience as a teacher, as a student of education policy, and now as a parent, I think that Question 2, the Massachusetts ballot initiative that would lift the existing cap on charter schools, is not only a bad idea but also a dangerous and irresponsible one.

There are many reasons why I passionately feel that Question 2 must be defeated.

First, the majority of kids who go to charter schools are students of color; they have always been and continue to be given the least educational opportunity in our country. Typically, the discipline systems at charters schools are harsh, punitive and more often target students of color and those with disabilities.

Second, creating a competing charter system robs the kids who stay in public schools. Every time a student leaves a traditional public school to attend a charter, the traditional school loses money. If these were competing businesses, that would be fair, and could spur healthy competition for consumer dollars. Schools, however, are not businesses. They are unique organizations that are trying to meet all kinds of needs for growing humans, and they already are working on a shoestring budget.

Question 2 is not only a bad idea but also a dangerous and irresponsible one.

Traditional public schools can’t afford to lose the $400 million already being taken away each year by charters in the state — let alone the additional diversion of more than $1 billion over time if Question 2 passes. When you have a class of 25 students and five of them leave, there is no good way to cut costs associated with that loss. You still need to pay the teacher. You still need a clean, healthy learning environment. You still need to pay the electric bill. Instead, the remaining kids end up losing. They lose an art class, or a counselor, or don’t get broken equipment replaced. These kids who stay represent the vast majority of our students.

Third, most teachers can’t afford to teach at charters once they start a family, because these schools pay so much less. Being a parent has made me a better teacher, and I do not believe in a system where you can’t be both.

Finally, some of the smartest, most dedicated educators I have ever been lucky enough to know and learn from are lifelong charter school people. But these schools only serve a small fraction of our students — only 4 percent. We need to invest in quality education for all students.

Traditional public schools have plenty of their own issues, but lifting the cap does not address any of them, and would only exacerbate the current issues that exist in our school systems. This is why I am asking everyone to join me in voting No on Question 2.

Angela Rubenstein is a teacher and parent who resides in Jamaica Plain, Mass.