Our nation’s public schools face tremendous challenges. Parents, educators, communities and elected officials need to work TOGETHER to build the schools that will prepare our children to face a changing world.

Unfortunately, too much precious time, energy and money has been sidetracked by policies that harm our schools rather than help them. These flawed policies have led to:

            • Excessive high-stakes testing

            • Demoralization of dedicated, hardworking teachers

            • School closings and charter school policies that destabilize families and communities, especially in low-income areas

Proponents of these flawed policies have scheduled two events during DNC week here in Charlotte – a film and panel discussion on Monday and a “town hall” on Tuesday.

We need to tell convention-goers and elected officials that parents on the ground do not support these efforts. Many of us have seen first-hand the damage these policies have done to students, schools and communities. We also know they have no track record of success.

Please join us before both events to rally in support of a more dynamic vision of an excellent public education for every student – one centered on parent and community involvement, greater support for dedicated educators and a vigorous, creative approach to learning and evaluation at all public schools. We also urge you to sign up to attend the events and voice your thoughts.

Monday, September 3: “Won’t Back Down” film and panel discussion sponsored by Michelle Rhee’s Students First, by Parent Revolution and by Democrats for Education Reform. Funders of these well-heeled groups include the Broad, Walton and Gates foundations, Rupert Murdoch and Wall Street hedge funds. To sign up: http://www.studentsfirst.org/page/s/dnc-signup.

EpiCentre Theater: 210 E. Trade St.             Rally: 12:30-1 p.m.               Event: 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday, September 4: Democrats for Education Reform Town Hall. The panel will feature elected officials who have supported legislation on policies such as high-stakes testing, charter school expansion and private school vouchers. Some of these bills are now being pushed by the ultra-conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). To sign up: http://www.dfer.org/events/2012townhall.

Knight Theater: 430 S. Tryon St.                        Rally: 12:30-1:30 p.m.   Program: 1:30-4 p.m.

If you or your group plan to participate, let us know at mecklenburgacts@gmail.com.