Dear FCCS Family,
Education is a core part of our culture. At a time when many of us, including myself, are frustrated by polarizing political battles, it is more important than ever to remember the power of our self-determination. For my family, self-determination meant a relentless focus on education.
FCCS knows beyond a shadow of a doubt, that education is a top issue for Black and Latino voters. Education is what paves the way for economic mobility for our communities. And yet, elected leaders and presidential and vice presidential candidates are not talking about education.
We cannot separate politics from the policies and laws that impact our everyday lives. I’d argue that politics and policy are one and the same. Elected leaders create and vote on the policies and laws that impact our day-to-day lives, like greater investments in our public schools – including charter schools.
With election season in full swing, FCCS continues to urge both presidential candidates to prioritize education as a key driver of economic mobility in this election. But with no discussion on education, school safety, how to get our kids back on track in school, or even addressing the recent school shooting, it was a missed opportunity to reassure parents and educators.
Thousands of you joined us for our Presidential Virtual Debate Watch Party. We hope you’ll join us again on October 1 for the Vice Presidential Virtual Debate Watch Party when we’ll continue to push the candidates to embrace providing families with more quality and safe public school options. It’s not just good politics, it’s good policy.
As part of our recent school visits to Nashville and Memphis – including stops at Nashville Prep, Liberty Collegiate and RePublic High School – we’re hearing from school leaders and communities about your lived experiences, your concerns, and your hopes for your families.
These conversations inform our 2025 policy agenda which will include a focus on increasing access to public school options, equitable funding, educational accountability and transparency, and more.
Thank you for joining us in building a legacy for our children.
In solidarity,
Jay
Jay Artis-Wright
Executive Director
FCCS