New charter school could be a great benefit to our community

As published in the Norwalk Hour 10-28-08

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

I have read with interest and excitement about the proposed new South Norwalk Community Charter School being launched under the leadership of the Rev. Lindsay Curtis of the Grace Baptist Church.

As state representative and someone who co-authored the Connecticut Charter School legislation, I applaud his efforts. The essence of the Charter School concept is choice, choice for parents to provide a different educational opportunity for their children, other then our fine public schools. This choice is especially important to low and moderate income families who might otherwise not have any alternatives available to them.

In 1997, I was proud to assist seven educational visionaries in their formation of the Side By Side Community Charter School located on Chestnut Street in South Norwalk. I was privileged to serve on the board of Side By Side and have since watched its development to one of the finest Charter Schools in the state and region. There is always room for more good schools. 

The new South Norwalk Community Charter School can look to Side By Side as an example of what a charter school should be and could be. As a former member of the Norwalk Board of Education, a product of Norwalk public schools and father of three children, all of whom attended Norwalk schools, I know first hand what a wonderful public school system we have. I also know, however, that choice of public schools is a great benefit to our city and our children. I hope all community leaders will support the Rev. Curtis’ efforts to establish a second charter school in Norwalk. Good luck to all involved.

Larry Cafero

State Rep., 142nd District

House Republican Leader