Politicizing the Danbury Charter School Hurts & Divides our Community

By Maria Matos, Vice-President of Operations LEAD

The debate continues over the establishment of the Danbury Public Charter School, as championed by Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) and supported by various stakeholders in the community. However, we must now turn our focus to the urgent issue at hand— providing better educational opportunities for our children and moving the Danbury Public Charter School forward. The misinformation campaign that claims the school has no support or that it will drain the funds of the Danbury Public School system has reached a boiling point, causing unnecessary divisions within our community. We must address these concerns with accurate information and open dialogue.

Particularly concerning was the latest article published on July 31st, 2023, in the Danbury Patch. This article raised doubts and perpetuated myths about the charter school's benefits and funding sources. As a community, we must engage in fact-based discussions, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed about the potential positive impact of the Danbury Public Charter School.

Our shared goal should be to provide more educational opportunities for our children, irrespective of political affiliations. The establishment of the Danbury Public Charter School should be a collective effort, and we should work together toward a common purpose without letting political divisions interfere. Let's continue to look towards a new dawn of cooperation and compromise, working together to ensure a brighter future for all our students and our community.

One of the important points to consider is the funding mechanism for charter schools in Connecticut. It's crucial to understand that charter schools are funded through their dedicated line item, and they do not divert funds from the Danbury Public Schools. Contrary to representative’s Godfreay assertion that “12 million dollars will be diverted from the Danbury Public Schools”. In Reality the establishment of the Danbury Public Charter School would bring an additional $11,500 per student, or approximately $8,855,000 annually (when the Danbury Charter Schools reaches the full capacity of 770 students), directly from the state into Danbury. This stream of income has been available since the early '90s, but the city has not benefited from it due to the absence of a charter school. This funding opportunity can greatly contribute to enhancing the educational options and resources for our students in Danbury.

Furthermore, critics neglect to mention the tangible economic benefits of the new building on Main Street, which will be constructed without burdening Danbury taxpayers. Contrary to the misinformation that local politicians have been spreading among the community, this project will bring job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and enhance the city's image.

In the article and in many other print media Farley Santos continues to say that he has knocked on over 5,000 doors and that the Danbury Public Charter School is not an issue in Danbury and that is his main claim of why he is actively opposing and blocking the state funding for the Danbury Charter School. We believe this in no way represents the most vulnerable members of our community. Especially the marginalized Latino community in Danbury that now make up the majority of students in most of the Danbury School system.

It is not sufficient to knock on the doors of homeowners; we must visit the places where the marginalized reside, listen to their concerns, and involve them in decision-making processes. We invite Representative Santos to come to the LEAD center in Danbury and actually speak with the immigrant families that have been fighting so hard to attain a high quality educational option for their children.

Over 6,800 Danburians have signed a petition supporting the opening of the Danbury Public Charter School, and hundreds have passionately testified about its potential benefits. Their voices, even if they are not voting citizens, should not be disregarded. As public servants, our representatives need to act in the best interests of all residents, not just the voters.

The blockade of the Danbury Public Charter School must end. It's time for a compromise that benefits all stakeholders in Danbury. The future of thousands of our residents should not be dictated by politics or special interests. The Danbury Public Charter School can exist within our educational ecosystem, providing a much-needed alternative for parents and students.

Danbury stands alone as the only inner city in the state without a charter school. With a student population consisting of 68% Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian students according to the National Center for Education Statistics, this community's educational needs must be addressed. The staggering 50% dropout rate among English Language Learner (ELL) students in Danbury is a damning indictment of the existing system and a clear indicator that more options are needed.

We strongly believe that there should be more public educational options, in urban areas like Danbury. Charter schools have a significant positive impact on breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting economic mobility, they offer unique opportunities to address the specific needs of students in underserved communities and have a stronger connection to their communities, involving parents, local organizations, and businesses in the school's activities. This collaboration can foster a sense of ownership and pride in the school, leading to increased support for the student's success.

Local government officials have been in dialogue with organizations like LEAD for some time in an effort to promote public school choices for the thousands of at-risk, disadvantaged families who are falling through the cracks. It is past time for Danbury’s state legislative delegation to do the same.

Danbury has evolved, and our representatives must adapt to reflect this new reality. Let's put partisan politics aside, heed the call of the underrepresented, and support the establishment of the Danbury Public Charter School. Education is the foundation of our society; every student deserves an environment where they can thrive. In the spirit of unity, inclusivity, and progress, let's make this vision a reality. We urge our politicians to stop using the future of our children as a weapon to win their campaigns.

At LEAD our core mission is to promote an equitable society and create a healthy, educated, and civically engaged community. And we will keep fighting the unjust blockade of the Danbury Public Charter School that has kept an entire community without an amazing educational option for the last 5 years.

We are ready and willing to work towards a sensible solution that can address any concerns of the opposition. But we will always be vigilant and ready to stand against any efforts to misinform our community against anyone that continues to actively block the Danbury Public Charter School.

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