Green Dot Public Schools CEO criticizes AB 84 for harming charter school funding

The Assembly Education Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, spotlighted significant concerns surrounding Assembly Bill 84 (AB 84), which has drawn sharp criticism from education leaders. The bill, which aims to increase oversight of charter schools, is being challenged for its potential negative impact on funding and resources for students.

Dr. Christina De Jesus, CEO of Green Dot Public Schools, voiced strong opposition to AB 84, arguing that it would divert crucial funds away from classrooms. She highlighted that the bill would triple the fees charter schools must pay for oversight, amounting to over $210 million annually being redirected from educational resources to bureaucratic oversight. This increase, she noted, could result in the loss of approximately 200 teaching positions across schools.

De Jesus emphasized that while accountability is essential, AB 84's approach is excessively punitive and lacks evidence that current oversight fees are inadequate. She called for a more targeted and less intrusive solution to address accountability concerns without jeopardizing student resources.

The committee also heard from representatives of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), who echoed De Jesus's sentiments, advocating for a more balanced approach that would not impose undue financial burdens on charter schools.

As discussions continue, the future of AB 84 remains uncertain, with advocates urging lawmakers to reconsider the bill's implications for students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how accountability in charter schools is managed without compromising educational quality.