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 public education. He also shared his recent documentary on New Orleans’ education reforms, which showcased the city’s rapid improvement post-Katrina. Osborne advocated for state laws to empower districts to adopt charter-like autonomy, citing successes in cities like Indianapolis.

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Transcript

Outline

Introduction and Background of David Osborne

• Ember Reichgott Junge introduces David Osborne, highlighting his significant contributions to the charter school movement and government innovation.
• Ember mentions David’s influential books: “Laboratories of Democracy,” “Reinventing Government,” “Vanishing Bureaucracy,” and “Reinventing America’s Schools.”
• David Osborne thanks Ember for the introduction and expresses his honor in being one of the key founders of charter schools.
• Ember reflects on the impact of David’s work on her as a lawmaker and the development of chartering in Minnesota and the nation.

David Osborne’s Early Life and Career

• David Osborne shares his background, including his upbringing in San Jose, California, and his move to the East Coast.
• He discusses his decision to pursue journalism instead of graduate school in American history, influenced by a professor’s seminar.
• David talks about his early career as an editor at Pacific News Service and his freelance writing for magazines like Mother Jones, the New York Times Magazine, Harper’s, and the Atlantic.
• He describes his first book, “Laboratories of Democracy,” which profiled six governors and their responses to economic and educational challenges in the early 1980s.

Reinventing Government and Public Education

• David explains the impact of “Reinventing Government,” which focused on implementation, governance, and management in government.
• Ember asks David about his insights into innovation in government, leading to a discussion on the fiscal crises faced by governments in the early 1990s.
• David shares his close relationship with Bill Clinton and the influence of “Reinventing Government” on Clinton’s political career.
• The conversation shifts to the importance of public education and its role in economic development, influenced by David’s work on “Laboratories of Democracy.”

Involvement with the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC)

• David discusses his involvement with the DLC, which was created by governors and senators dissatisfied with traditional liberal politics.
• He recounts how the DLC discovered him through his book and his Washington Post magazine article about tenant management in public housing.
• David describes his role in organizing a panel on reinventing government at the DLC’s annual conference in 1990, where Bill Clinton became the chair.
• The conversation highlights the influence of the DLC on David’s work and the broader impact of “Reinventing Government” on Democratic politics.

Charter Schools and Public School Choice

• Ember and David discuss the origins of the charter school concept, including Al Shanker’s support for public school choice and accountability for results.
• David explains the principles of reinventing government and how charter schools embody these principles, including decentralization, results-oriented government, competition, community orientation, and customer-driven government.
• The conversation touches on the challenges and controversies surrounding charter schools, particularly with teachers’ unions.
• David emphasizes the importance of charter schools in providing educational choices and opportunities for low-income students.

The Role of Charter Schools in Public Education

• David reflects on the broader impact of charter schools on public education, including their role in systemic change and innovation.
• Ember and David discuss the political challenges of implementing charter schools, including opposition from teachers’ unions and the need for bipartisan support.
• The conversation highlights the success of charter schools in cities like New Orleans, Washington DC, and Indianapolis.
• David expresses his hope that charter schools will continue to gain acceptance and support as a better way to organize public education.

David Osborne’s Documentary on New Orleans Education Reform

• David shares his experience of creating a documentary on the education reforms in New Orleans, driven by Leslie Jacobs.
• He describes the challenges of raising funds for the documentary and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the project.
• The documentary premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival and received positive feedback, highlighting the success of the education reforms and the resilience of the community.
• David discusses the ongoing efforts to promote the documentary and its potential to influence public perception and policy.

Legacy and Future of Charter Schools

• Ember and David discuss the legacy of charter schools and the need for continued advocacy and support.
• David emphasizes the importance of changing state laws to empower districts to adopt charter-like autonomy and choice.
• The conversation highlights the success of cities like Indianapolis in implementing charter-like innovations and the potential for broader impact.
• David reflects on his desire to be remembered as a champion of charter schools and their role in improving public education.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Ember thanks David for his contributions to the charter school movement and the broader impact of his work on public education.
• David expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and the importance of continuing to advocate for charter schools.
• The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of charter schools and the role of the National Charter Schools Founders Library in preserving and promoting the history of charter schools.
• David provides information on how to access his documentary and request screenings, encouraging wider dissemination of the story of charter schools and their impact.