On behalf of the Coalition to Oppose Charter Schools in Glen Cove, I would like to thank our residents and the residents of surrounding communities for their support in our efforts to defeat the proposed charter school. I would especially like to thank those individuals who extended their efforts to sign our petitions and write letters of opposition to the SUNY Board of Trustees, other state officials and our local newspapers.

The coalition won the support of several local officials including the board of education, Dr. Mary Ellen Freeley, the local NYSUT and PTA, Mayor Thomas Suozzi, former Mayor Vincent Suozzi, Assemblymember David Sidikman, Senator Carl Marcellino and Larry Silverman, Esq., just to name a few.

Although the particular reasons for the defeat of the charter school will not be publicly disclosed until February, the coalition believes that strong community support was the main factor. This opposition reflected in the dedication and actions of everyone who worked closely with me in organizing the Coalition to Oppose Charter Schools in Glen Cove. The efforts of the Glen Cove Board of Education, in approving a resolution to hold a public hearing, made it possible to gather in one voice to support our public schools and demonstrate our opposition to the proposed charter school. At this public hearing we witnessed the power of many individuals working as one. This challenge from outside of our community enabled different constituencies to forge an alliance to benefit the children of Glen Cove.

As parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers, we must continue to work together actively so that this kind of intrusion into public education does not gain legitimacy. We cannot allow outsiders and for-profit corporations to dictate educational and financial policy without adhering to the same rules and regulations as the public schools, particularly when public funds are involved. This task can be accomplished by building on the excellent communication and cooperation demonstrated in our recent efforts to oppose the proposed charter school application.

Please continue to demonstrate your support by attending a public meeting at Glen Cove City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. The meeting will focus on ways to amend the current Charter School Legislation in New York State.

Gloria Wagner, Ph.D.