Founders Library

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Oral History: Bill Bonvillian on Senator Joseph I. Lieberman

Overview In this oral history interview for the National Charter Schools Founders Library, Bill Bonvillian reflects on his decades-long relationship with Senator Joseph I. “Joe” Lieberman and the Senator’s pivotal role in advancing federal charter school legislation. Bonvillian, who served for more than 15 years as Lieberman’s legislative director and chief counsel, shares personal stories […]

Interview of David Harris

David Harris is a lifelong Indianapolis resident, attorney (Northwestern University undergraduate, Indiana University Law School), and one of the most influential figures in the American charter school movement. He entered education reform unexpectedly in 1999 while volunteering on Bart Peterson’s mayoral campaign, where he researched and championed charter schools—quickly becoming a passionate advocate. His work […]

Interview of David Osborne

David Osborne, a key figure in the charter school movement, discussed his influential books on government innovation, including “Reinventing Government” and “Reinventing America’s Schools.” He highlighted his work with Bill Clinton and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) in promoting charter schools. Osborne emphasized the importance of charter schools in providing choice, competition, and autonomy in […]

Interview of Bart Peterson

Bart Peterson, the first mayor in the U.S. to authorize charter schools, discussed his journey and impact. He highlighted his early education in Indianapolis, his career path from law to politics, and his role in advocating for charter schools. Peterson chartered 17 schools, with 60% of Indianapolis students now attending autonomous schools. He emphasized the […]

Founders Library promo

Every movement begins with a choice.Thirty years ago, educators, families, and leaders chose to be bold by choice—and the charter school movement was born. From the first charter law in Minnesota to a national ecosystem reshaping public education, this is the story of people who challenged the givens, reimagined what public schools could be, and […]

Interview with Nihat Güvercin, Ed.D.

Dr. Nihat Güvercin, CEO of iLearn Schools, discussed his journey from Turkey to the U.S., where he became a physics teacher and eventually led the expansion of iLearn Schools from one to 21 campuses across New Jersey and New York. He emphasized the importance of STEM education starting from kindergarten and the role of character […]

Interview of Buzz Thomas

Jim Goenner sits down with Senator Buzz Thomas to commemorate 30 years of Michigan’s charter school movement. Buzz shares his personal journey from Detroit Waldorf to the state Senate, the origins of the “hire me, fire me” campaign pledge, and his vision for empowering neighborhoods through quality public-school choice. Along the way, he reflects on […]

1995 “Involving Families in Education” White House Panel with Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton participated in the annual conference hosted by Vice President and Mrs.Tipper Gore. Panelists talked about how their local schools help get parents more involved in their children’s education through various programs and how these efforts can be applied to larger populations of students and families. In this panel discussion from VANDERBUILT UNIVERSITY, Nashville […]

Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville School v. Drummond Oral Argument

Courtesy of CSPAN https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/oklahoma-charter-school-board-v-drummond-and-st-isidore-of-seville-school-v-drummond-oral-arugment/658880 April 30, 2025 The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral argument in Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville School v. Drummond, a consolidated case about the constitutionality of states supporting religious charter schools with public funding. In 2023, St. Isidore, Inc., applied to Oklahoma’s charter school board to establish St. […]