Charter school parents, students rally to protect school choice

CHICAGO - Parents of students in charter schools are calling on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Board of Education to protect school choice. 

A rally was held Wednesday morning inside and outside City Hall. 

This comes three weeks after the board indicated it could in the coming years redirect funds from charters to neighborhood schools. 

The parents and students are also calling for fair charter renewal terms. One of the speakers, Myisha Shields, also made an appearance at the rally. 

Parents say they've sent 2,000 letters to the mayor asking to preserve charter schools as an option for their families. 

Noble Schools issued a statement on the rally Wednesday evening, shared below:

"Noble Schools has been providing quality education to the families of Chicago for 25 years and ensuring our communities have the right to access transformational education is core to our mission to drive achievement and empower children to live choice-filled lives. We stand by our families who advocated for our renewal today and hope that the school board hears their voices," said a spokesperson from Noble Schools.