Washington, D.C. – Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, released the following statement in response to Washington state's House passage of charter school bill, SB 6194:
“We are thrilled that the Washington State House of Representatives has voted on a bi-partisan basis to allow charter schools to continue to operate in the state. The people expressed their desire for charter public schools when they approved a ballot initiative in 2012, and now the legislature has followed suit.
With this great victory, Washington rejoins the community of 42 other states and Washington D.C., where families have real, public educational options. Millions of families are demanding charter public schools across the country, including those in Washington who have spoken so clearly over the last few months.
We celebrate the parents who led this charge, and the school and movement leaders who refused to take no for an answer. Their amazing efforts on behalf of Washington's students has led to one of the most remarkable victories in the history of this movement.
We call on the Senate to pass confirming legislation and the Governor to sign the bill as soon as possible.”