Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
The Walton Family Foundation has invested over $1 billion in initiatives to expand parental choice in education, contributing more than $300 million to create 1,400 charter schools across the U.S. Their support has been instrumental in the growth of charter schools and state associations, benefiting communities from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. The foundation’s efforts, led by John Walton and Howard Fuller, have aimed to empower parents, especially in low-income communities, to choose high-quality schools. Their support has led to significant educational improvements and the establishment of numerous high-quality charter schools and educational options.
Transcript
Outline
Walton Family Foundation’s Contributions to Education
- Nina Rees highlights the Walton Family Foundation’s significant investment of over $1 billion in initiatives that expand parental choice and opportunity in education.
- The foundation has contributed more than $300 million towards the creation of 1400 charter schools across the country.
- The Walton Family Foundation has been a lead sponsor of many state charter school associations, supporting education from Minneapolis to New Orleans.
- Many attendees in the room have received grants from the Walton Family Foundation, emphasizing the foundation’s goal of providing quality educational options for families.
Historical Context and Early Involvement
- Carrie Penner Walton explains that the foundation started in the late 1980s by her grandparents, who were interested in giving back to their community.
- Education became a significant issue for the foundation, with early involvement in charter schools starting with her uncle John and Howard Fuller in Milwaukee.
- Dr. Howard Fuller praises John Walton’s commitment to radically reforming education for low-income children.
- The foundation was one of the first entities to support advocacy work to create legal and regulatory environments for charter schools.
Impact on Education Reform and Achievements
- Dr. Howard Fuller mentions the foundation’s support for the Black Alliance for Educational Options and the Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
- Carrie Penner Walton highlights greater achievement improvements in students attending charter schools compared to traditional public schools.
- The foundation has funded the growth of high-quality charter school operators like KIPP Foundation and ACE in San Jose.
- Parents and students have benefited from the foundation’s support, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided.
Challenges and Successes in Education Reform
- Ed Kirby discusses the historical context of K-12 education in the U.S., where political leaders controlled education through state and municipal governments.
- He describes the cycle of disempowerment of families, which the Walton Family Foundation aimed to break by supporting charter schools.
- The foundation’s efforts have allowed families to take control of their children’s education, creating safer and academically better options.
- Ed Kirby thanks the attendees for their contributions to the charter school movement and challenges them to expand their mission beyond charter schools.
Future Goals and Vision for Education
- Ed Kirby urges the attendees to advocate for all parents to exercise choice in high-quality educational options, including public and private sector options.
- He expresses gratitude for the relentless pursuit of performance by the attendees and the Walton Family Foundation’s commitment to supporting their efforts.
- The foundation aims to continue supporting the expansion of educational choices and the empowerment of parents.
- The meeting concludes with applause and recognition of the collective achievements in education reform.
