The following is a letter published by the Asheville Citizen-Times on February 26, 2014:
When searching public schools in Asheville we were fortunate to find Francine Delany New School for Children, a public charter school. With an emphasis on community and social justice, students are immersed in experientially rich, hands-on programs of study that encourage and value creativity and curiosity. Administered by the teaching staff, their knowledge, dedication and passion for teaching are apparent on every level of operation. They are dedicated to economic and ethnic diversity as a foundation for a nurturing learning community that includes parents, families and other community members.
All five of our children attended FDNSC and during that time we were both also employed by the school.
We continually hear in the news media how charter schools limit diversity. There may be cultural and economic reasons why families choose charter schools, but FDNSC is proof that lacking diversity is not an inherent fact for charter schools. For the 2013-14 school year, FDNSC’s demographics are 48 percent minority and 47 percent economically disadvantaged students.
Could it be that a school’s mission has more to do with why families are choosing one public school over another? Better that we unite and support all public schools and public school teachers.
– Frank and Nancy Griffin, Asheville
Well said, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin.
H/T: LB
