The Lynn School Committee has officially voiced its opposition to the establishment and expansion of charter schools in the city, citing significant financial and educational concerns. In a recent meeting, committee members highlighted that a fully funded public school system is crucial for the educational well-being of students and the professional welfare of educators in Lynn.

The committee expressed alarm over a proposal from KIPP Lynn to expand its charter school capacity to 3,200 seats, which they estimate would drain approximately $24 million from the Lynn Public Schools budget. This would bring the total charter tuition payments to over $51 million, a substantial financial burden on the district, which serves around 17,000 students across 28 public schools.

Committee members emphasized that the expansion of charter schools could exacerbate existing challenges, particularly in light of learning losses experienced during the pandemic. They noted that Lynn has the second-highest number of newcomers in Massachusetts, with a significant population of English language learners and students with special needs who may not be adequately served in a charter school environment.

Furthermore, the committee pointed out that teachers and paraprofessionals in Lynn are required to meet specific certification standards and enjoy collective bargaining rights, which are not guaranteed in charter schools. This disparity raises concerns about the quality of education and support for both students and educators.

In light of these issues, the Lynn School Committee has urged the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to consider their resolution against charter school expansion when reviewing applications. The committee's stance reflects a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the public school system and its diverse student population as they work to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.