Founders Library

A Better Way: The Idea That Became a Movement

A Film from the National Charter Schools Founders Library A Better Way: The Idea That Became a Movement tells the story of the people, ideas, and shared purpose that helped launch and grow the charter school movement in America. What began with a simple question—is there a better way to educate kids?—grew from one pioneering […]

Interview with Skip Hansen

Overview For more than 25 years, Skip Hansen has worked at the intersection of entrepreneurship and public education, helping build a charter school model designed around students whom traditional systems often struggle to serve. Hansen did not expect to become an educator. After attending UC Irvine, he built a career in business, working in commercial […]

Don Shalvey | Chapter 1

The Don Shalvey Story Chapter 1: Foundations South Philadelphia Beginnings and the Origins of “College for Certain” Decades before there was even the concept of a charter school, before any charter school laws had been passed, before California had its first charter school or the nation had its first charter management organization, and yes, decades […]

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 […]