Re "Charters form lobbying group" (Monitor Local & State page, Jan. 17): I am the head of school of the Seacoast Charter School. I want to make it clear to readers that charter schools are public schools.

It is distressing to hear that this misunderstanding persists even among legislators. Charter schools are open to any students from all over the state on a lottery basis. Charters do not and cannot ever charge tuition for their program. They are specifically designed to provide a free and open educational option to all parents.

BILL WILMOT

Kingston