Danielle – Mom From Erie

As I look back on my daughter's high school experiences, I am grateful that our family had the right to choose a public charter school.

My daughter recently graduated from Charter School of Excellence (CSE) in Erie, where she joined a close-knit, diverse community of students from different backgrounds and countries. I think it's important for our children to experience diversity at school, because they will need to work with people from all over when they enter college or the workforce.

At our school, students also learn what it is like to hold a job. The Workforce Development Program requires interested students to apply and interview for a job. They then work in the school kitchen, maintenance department or office. They are graded on their performance and earn a wage.

I believe this experience is invaluable. Not every student can attend or afford college, so it is important for them to know how to find, apply for and hold a job.

Public charter schools aren't for everyone. Many students thrive in a traditional public school. In fact, our older daughter attended CSE but transferred to our local high school for her senior year. That is why choice is so important.

I'm thankful that we had the option of a public charter school. I hope our state lawmakers will talk with charter school families like ours before considering funding cuts designed to limit the choices families have for education.