11th anniversary book 114 FINAL online - Flipbook - Page 8
After a long struggle, at the Board of Regents meeting on January 13, 2009, we finally won the approval to open a
charter school. I am very proud of the accomplishments our school has made during its ten years of existence. On the
state assessments for English and Mathematics, our students have continued to double and even triple the scores
of students in the Hempstead School District. However, our vision is to keep improving our school to provide the
best possible education to our students. This is our responsibility and we take it very seriously.
Charter schools have the responsibility to educate their students in New York State with only about 70% of the funding
as compared to the full funding for traditional public schools. In other words, we receive about 30% less funding
per student than students attending the Hempstead School District schools right across the street. Is this equal
treatment? No. Is this discrimination? From my point of view, yes. Simply because one attends a charter school,
which is also a public school, should not mean that a student receives less. This is the law in New York State. However,
legislation in other states such as Massachusetts, provides equal funding for students regardless if they attend a public
charter school or a traditional public school. We need justice in New York State and this law needs to change, even
though it will be highly opposed by teacher unions. As one example, with 30% less in their budget, charter schools
have difficulty in the area of staff retention, partly because they are challenged to pay for the teacher retirement system
at the same level as traditional public schools.
The Board of Trustees is working on the plans to build a new school for its Middle School students. In addition,
responding to the needs of students and families, the board is also planning for a high school. This past year, December
2019, we submitted an application to expand our school to include a high school.
Students and parents wrote letters in support of this expansion request and these were submitted to the Charter School
Office at the New York State Education Department. We hope for a favorable decision by the Board of Regents later
this year.
I want to finish by thanking administrators, teachers, all staff, students and parents for their many contributions to
our school. I am grateful to all members of the Board of Trustees for their dedication to carrying out the mission of
Evergreen on behalf of our students and families.
Let’s keep working together as a team to bring another ten years of success for our children and their families. Our
students deserve the highest level of dedication that we can provide. Be sure that you have my commitment and the
commitment of the Board of Trustees to support students, families and staff as our partners in the continued vision and
mission of our beloved Evergreen Charter School.
In the name of the Board Trustees, our deepest gratitude to all members of our staff, students and families for everything
you do each day to benefit the education and future of our students.
My warmest regards to you all. Happy 11th Anniversary Evergreen!
P.S. My commitment and dedication to Evergreen’s and Círculo de la Hispanidad’s vision and mission are the result
mainly of the values instilled by my parents, Baudilio and Piedad. In addition, the significant influence I received from
the community where I was born, Tapioles, my family, friends including Gonzalo and José Luis, my teacher Manuel
Paino, and organizations from Madrid such as Hogar del Trabajo (Workers Organization) and the Fraternidad Católica
de Enfermos (Catholic Brotherhood for the Ill).
To all, my love and gratitude always.
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