Peterson: parent choice matters; public schools should remain competitive with charters
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Summary
Peterson said she supports parental choice and wants public schools to be strong enough that they are the parents' preferred option. She acknowledged limited knowledge of some charter programs' details but said she would send students to specialized charter programs if they are the right fit.
Emily Peterson said parent choice is important and that the new district should aim to make public education the best option among available choices.
Asked about charter schools operating in the area, Peterson listed Major, Noah Webster and UCAS and said she has friends with children in charters. “Parent choice is very important to me,” she said, and argued the district should study enrollment cycles and charter impacts to avoid closing schools during a temporary enrollment trough.
She said district staff should work with charter leaders and that, when a child’s needs are best met at a charter (for example a STEM‑oriented UCAS placement or a performing arts school), parents and districts should be open to that path.