Pro-Charter Group FES Set to Dissolve

Today Bryan Lawrence, Board Chair of Families for Excellent Schools, put out a statement saying that the charter school advocacy group will be dissolving. The group has been under fire since its CEO Jeremiah Kittredge was fired last week after being accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with a non-employee. The FES brand has also been hurt in the media after a charter school advocacy campaign went badly awry in Massachusetts. In 2016, FES had poured $15 million into an unsuccessful ballot question to expand charter schools in Massachusetts. The group was was hit in September 2017 with the largest fine ($425,000) in that state’s campaign history after officials determined the group had illegally hid the identities of its donors.

FES had organized frequent rallies at City Hall and in Albany attacking Mayor de Blasio’s opposition to public charter schools.

Mr. Lawrence’s statement follows below:

“This is a sad day for everyone at Families for Excellent Schools. We are very proud of the work we’ve done to help thousands of families stand up for educational opportunity in their communities, and believe our vision of a world where every child has access to an excellent school has never been more important.

Unfortunately, after a series of challenges over the past year and particularly given recent events, we have determined that the support necessary to keep the organization going is not there. We are beginning the process of winding down our work. I want to thank all those who have given their heart and soul to this organization since its inception; I know they will continue to advocate for the families and communities we serve.”

Statement from Bryan Lawrence, Board Chair of Families for Excellent Schools