Therefore, we need new, bold and innovative strategies if we are going to reverse our present problems. Charter schools are one such strategy. They are an essential component and catalyst for change within the Commonwealth's education reform movement. Critics are concerned that losing revenues, gifted students, or motivated parents will weaken district public schools. We believe meaningful competition and experimentation will strengthen district public schools rather than weaken them.
Charter schools are just one way that parents can exercise choice in their children's education.
It is for all these reasons that the Davis Foundation has chosen to be supportive of and take an active role in charter schools. High above the many students, parents, and faculty assembled for the occasion flew the American flag, given along with the flagpole by the first group of parents to enroll their children in the school. Community Day Charter School, one of the fifteen inaugural charter schools opened in 1995, was the first of two so far to be rechartered that is, issued second five-year licenses by the Massachusetts Board of Education. The school commemorated the occasion with home-grown pomp and ceremony. When I lived with my mom and step dad, I did not go to school.