At MESA Charter High School in Brooklyn New York, Angel Cortez didn’t only stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his daughter as she navigated a rigorous college preparatory program at a new school, but also stood together with stakeholders to share the truth about charter schools publicly. Angel helped publish op-eds in local newspapers to correct misinformation and set the story straight: charter schools are modelling how excellence and equity can be achieved in all public schools on behalf of students and families. Angel’s leadership was quickly recognized by the broader MESA school community, and he was asked to join the school’s Board of Directors. In his seven years on the board, Angel helped shepherd the school through its first graduating class, a full five-year renewal, and the multiple successes and challenges that come from overseeing a high school in New York City. During this time Angel also witnessed two of his own children graduate from MESA and head off to college. Angel was recently asked to be MESA’s Board Chair, and now his impact on behalf of MESA and other charter schools will only continue to grow.
Read more stories of parents making lasting changes in their communities below.
The mission and motto of Keller Saginaw High School (a charter school operated by International Leadership Texas) – “Others Before Self” – reaches far beyond its students and is embraced wholeheartedly by the school’s families. A bond between moms Samantha Alloggio and Heather Rivera led to a life-saving decision and is an example of “Others Before Self” in action.
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Celebrate 30 years of chartering with us!
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate 30 years of charter schools transforming public education. Follow along with us on Twitter @CharterLibrary and share your stories contact@charterlibrary.org.
