“Charter schools were created to provide public school choice with independence outside the traditional district structure, but were always public schools protected by the U.S. Constitution.”– Ember Reichgott-Junge! @CharterLibraryvia @AP https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-charter-school-skirts-071a6bff9a62a0e3f233cd9bcf29d24f The Founders Library played an impactful role in speaking out for the constitutional rights of charter schools in a Supreme Court ruling June 27th, 2023. The […]
Uncategorized
The Founders Library: Capturing Charter School History for Future Generations
Minnesota U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger: Redefining Public Education
A giant chartering pioneer was recently laid to rest. There have been many tributes to 88-year-old U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger (R-Minnesota) that have called out his pragmatism, innovative spirit, commitment to policy over politics, and ability to build relationships across party lines. All of that was essential to his key education legacy: creation of the federal […]
APRIL: Celebrating 30 Years of Bipartisan Support for Charter Schools
Chartering – a 30-year-old strategy that welcomes and encourages new ideas to make public education work better for our kids and our communities – is also one of the most prolific grassroots revolutions to create true educational opportunities for all. While it may not always feel like it, chartering started and remains deeply rooted in bipartisan […]
MARCH: Celebrating 30 Years of Exceptional Board Members
The charter movement ushered in a new era of civic engagement in our nation’s public schools. As a strategy that welcomes and encourages new ideas to make public education work better for our kids, communities and country, chartering breaks down barriers that previously prevented passionate community members from helping to reimagine public education. Over the past […]
Exceptional Board Members: Moctezuma Esparza
Growing up in Los Angeles as the son of immigrants from Mexico, Moctezuma went to UCLA where he graduated from the School of Theater, Film and Television. He then became a successful producer and went on to open cinemas in communities across California and earned many distinctions, including an Emmy Award and an Academy Award […]
Exceptional Board Members: Cardell Orrin
Cardell Orrin, the board chair of Freedom Prep Charter Schools in Memphis, Tennessee, came to his role at the charter school having already made a significant impact in other realms. He grew up in a family of political activists who helped elect Memphis’s first black school board member. After attending the University of Pennsylvania and entering the […]
Exceptional Board Members: David Weinberg
David Weinberg came to the charter movement having had a successful career in business, leading a major auto-parts manufacturer for over 35 years – and as a professional photographer whose work is still showcased in Chicago’s art museums and galleries. During this period of his career, David also wanted to find a way to contribute to […]
FEBRUARY: Celebrating 30 Years of Parents who Made a Difference
Thirty years ago, the charter movement gave parents a new opportunity to get involved in public education. The flexibility afforded charter public schools meant that schools were now able to benefit from the meaningful and unique contributions offered by parents. Parent involvement is an enduring hallmark of the charter movement. Over the last 30 years, […]
Difference Makers: Parents Kiana Davis, Regina Armstrong, and Claudia Inglesia
At Green Dot Public Schools in Los Angeles, California, parents Kiana Davis, Regina Armstrong, and Claudia Inglesia believed the streets around their childrens’ schools could be safer. In collaboration with Green Dot’s sister organization, United Parents and Students, they advocated for a new signalized crosswalk for two Green Dot schools, Ánimo Watts College Preparatory Academy and Ánimo Mae Jemison […]
