There could be a major change in York city schools. Two charter school companies applied to take over every school in the district. Wednesday night both schools presented their reasons for why the board should choose them. The two charter school options for the district are Charter Schools USA and Mosaica Education Inc.. But it doesn’t matter who is vying to take over the district’s schools. Teachers, parents, and even some students think it’s a bad idea.
For the second week in a row, it's the same scene. Teachers who have spent more than a decade in York City schools have a strong message for the two charter schools.
"We believe that we have what it takes in York City to educate our own kids. We don't need you. We don't trust you. You're in it to make money," says Clovis Gallon, a teacher.
Students share similar thoughts.
"I really believe in this school district and I believe if for-profit charters take over that it won't be the same. It will be worse than it was before," says Ashlee Desantis, a student.
Senior, Ashlee Desantis has been enrolled in York City schools since kindergarten. She says her teachers are like family.
"They've motivated me, they believed in me when I stopped believing in myself, they've always been there for me when other friends haven't been there for me," says Desantis.
Two charter school companies answered the district's questions. Both vow to continue school traditions and work with families to build children's education. They want to help make a difference in York schools.
The school board president says the district is revisiting the option to go all-charter because it can't come to a contract agreement with teacher's union. FOX43 asked how negotiations are coming along after meeting on Tuesday. A union representatives says he remains hopeful but would not disclose if things are progressing.
State Representatives Kevin Schreiber spoke to the public about the district he represents. He stands with the crowd, and doesn't want city students to become guinea pigs.
"If you are to subject our students in York to a different type of education than any other student in the commonwealth has the opportunity to succeed, that's fundamentally wrong," says Schreiber.
The board did not make a decision tonight. FOX43 is told its hoping to either come to a contract agreement with the union or decide which charter school company to go with by November.
