Founders Library

2024

Interview of Betsy DeVos

Betsy DeVos discussed her lifelong advocacy for education freedom, emphasizing the importance of diverse learning environments. She highlighted her role in establishing the West Michigan Aviation Academy and her involvement in Michigan’s charter school movement. DeVos challenged the traditional education system’s bureaucracy and advocated for policies that empower parents and families. She noted the obstacles […]

Interview of Dick DeVos

November 11, 2024. James Goenner, Ph.D. of the National Charter Schools Institute, interviews Dick DeVos, Founder of West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dick DeVos, founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, discussed his journey from an uninspired student to a champion for educational freedom. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and […]

Linda Brown Tribute Event Boston – transcript

Linda Brown Event Boston 9-21-24 Watch the full event https://charterlibrary.org/linda-brown-collection/ The event celebrated Linda Brown’s contributions to education, highlighting her role in founding numerous charter schools and mentoring educators. Key speakers, including Doug Lemov, Mia Howard, Shantelle Wright, and Lester Long, shared their experiences and the impact of Brown’s guidance. Brown emphasized teaching, curriculum, culture, […]

Interview of Graham Browne

Graham Browne, founder of Forte Prep Charter School in Elmhurst, Queens, shared his journey inspired by a life-changing scholarship. He emphasized the importance of creating educational opportunities for diverse students. Browne discussed the challenges of starting the school, including finding a building and recruiting staff, and the initial operation in a daycare basement. He highlighted […]

Interview of Ed Cox

Ed Cox discussed his entry into the charter school movement, inspired by the 1986 “A Nation at Risk” report. He highlighted the effectiveness of Catholic schools, which cost half as much but performed twice as well. New York adopted the Michigan charter school law, emphasizing transparency and fairness. Cox stressed the importance of governing boards […]

Interview of Randy Daniels

Interview of Randy Daniels, Founding co-chair, SUNY Board of Trustees Charter School Committee, New York Secretary of State (2001-05). Businessman, and former CBS News correspondent. With Robert Bellafiore, Founder & President of Stanhope Partners. Robert Bellafiore and Speaker 2 emphasized the need for accountability in public education, advocating for year-round schooling and more direct instruction […]

New York Founders highlight

View New York Timeline More New York contibutions The Politics of Charter School Authorizing: The Case of New York State by Jonas S. Chartock 2012 The treatise “The Politics of Charter School Authorizing: The Case of New York State” by Jonas S. Chartock (2012) explores how multiple statewide charter school authorizers were created in New […]