TO: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, c/o Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign- charterschools@mass.gov
FROM: The Northampton Association of School Employees
DATE: December 9, 2024
RE: Opposition to Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School expansion
Dear Committee Members,
The Northampton Association of School Employees (500+ education workers) is writing to express our opposition to the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley. Such an expansion would further burden our Northampton Public School system that is already facing a precipitous budget situation as are others around the Commonwealth.
As you may already know, the impact of funds diverted to charter schools on the budgets of the Northampton Public Schools and the City of Northampton’s general budget is substantial, representing 7.2% of the Northampton Public Schools’ operating budget and 2.4% of the city’s entire operating budget.
Our educators are struggling more than ever to provide the quality education we are committed to and are seeing millions of dollars over the years drained from our budget which is further demoralizing an already fraught situation.
It is our understanding that this charter school also has not reached its enrollment maximum and it has enrollment shortfalls in underserved groups.
The charter school funding system must be changed in order to educate all students in an equitable way and until this occurs, expanding this particular charter puts a burden on our most vulnerable students. Please hear our request and help us in our struggle to provide the highest quality education for all of our public school students.
Andrea Egitto and Heather Brown
President and Vice President
Northampton Association of School Employees