Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, issued this statement following executive action in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education committee on legislation regarding charter schools:

“Yesterday during the public hearing, we heard from children who told us why they loved their charter schools. They said they appreciated the individual attention they receive, the smaller size of the classes they attend and the wrap-around services provided to them.

“I think we all agree we need to find a way this session to ensure the students attending these charter schools are provided certainty about their education.

“There is a real sense of urgency in the Legislature to keep these 1,200 kids in their schools. But I hope we can show that same sense of urgency for the more than 1 million students in all of our public schools who have equally urgent needs.

“They urgently need more counselors, nurses and support staff.

“They urgently need smaller class sizes where they can receive the individualized attention they need to learn.

“We will try to find a way this session to help these charter school students but we must not forget to find a way to make sure all 1 million students in our state receive a fully funded basic education that provides them the opportunity to succeed. Their needs are just as urgent.”