Dear Board of Education Members:

I am writing once again to show my strong interest in and support of the Chesapeake Public Charter School initiative.

I truly believe that this is an educational option that will enrich our school community. I have had the opportunity to hear from many, many local parents who are very excited about this potential option for their children. Sadly, many of these parents have commented to me personally that they feel unable to express their ardent desire for choices in education to the Board of Education or to their current school’s administration because they fear some type of negative repercussion might fall upon their children. I am glad that I feel completely free to speak for myself and for them, but sad to think that such a climate of intimidation should exist in the current time.

My own daughter has been in a private school that features an alternative type of educational program since Kindergarten, and I have the greatest respect and enthusiasm for the positive development she has experienced. Many other parents feel that such programs would be beneficial for their children, but cannot afford to pay private school tuition. It is my impression that the general trend over recent years in both the business world and in education has been a movement toward greater flexibility and consumer choice, and charter schools reflect this trend. It should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat, to existing public school systems.

The Board of Education has commented that they do not see a large amount of interest in a charter school; yet the Chesapeake Public Charter School received applications far in excess of the number of pupil spaces it has to offer. There are even more parents out there who are potentially interested, but who are waiting to see if it is successful.

Many community members have concluded that despite strong community interest in the Chesapeake Charter School and similar programs, and the unwavering commitment and cooperation displayed by the CPCS development group, the St. Mary’s County Board of Education is simply not in favor of offering options in public education to us. I would very much like to see this conclusion proved wrong, and a real partnership emerge between the local school board and the community of parents and students who are the consumers of St. Mary’s County education services.

Thank you for your time and for this venue for public input.

Sincerely,

Ann Loker