Mark Murray discussed his extensive involvement in Michigan’s charter school system, starting from his role in the Department of Management and Budget. He highlighted the governance complexities, particularly the proposal to give mayors control over education in Detroit, which led to a legislative compromise. Murray emphasized the importance of charter schools in providing educational choices, especially for disadvantaged students. He noted Grand Valley State University’s disciplined approach to charter school oversight, including closing underperforming schools and supporting innovative educational models. Murray reflected on the mixed success of charter schools over 25 years, stressing the need for continuous improvement and innovation.
Transcript
Outline
Mark Murray’s Career Path and Early Involvement in Charter Schools
- Don Cooper introduces Mark Murray and asks about his early involvement in Michigan’s charter schools.
- Mark Murray explains his career path, starting in the Department of Management and Budget, then becoming the budget director and later the State Treasurer.
- Murray discusses his role as education advisor to Governor Engler, where he was involved in charter school policies.
- He mentions his transition to Grand Valley State University as its president, where he continued to oversee charter schools.
Governance and Legislative Challenges in Education
- Mark Murray talks about the governance structure in Michigan, where the state board of education appoints the state superintendent.
- He describes the legislative proposal to give mayors control over education in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
- The proposal faced contentious debates, with the final bill creating an appointed board with the mayor and the state superintendent involved.
- Murray highlights the challenges and complexities of governance in education, particularly in Detroit.
Early Charter School Sector and Policy Debates
- Don Cooper and Mark Murray discuss the nascent state of the charter sector in Michigan in 1996.
- Murray mentions the caps on the number of charters and the authority to authorize them.
- The legislature expanded charter school authority to tribal community colleges, adding more charters to the system.
- Murray reflects on the initial debates about parental choice in education and the economic factors influencing school choice.
Budget and Policy Implications of Charter Schools
- Don Cooper asks about the changes needed in the Department of Treasury to accommodate charter schools.
- Mark Murray explains that the Department of Education primarily handles charter school registration and payment channels.
- He mentions his predecessor and successor, Doug Roberts, who were involved in educational discussions.
- Murray discusses the budget implications and enrollment trends related to charter schools.
Grand Valley State University’s Role in Chartering
- Don Cooper inquires about GVSU’s involvement in chartering when Murray became its president.
- Murray sees charter activities as part of the university’s educational role but not its primary focus.
- He emphasizes the importance of supporting good charter schools and closing failing ones.
- Murray describes the systems in place to monitor and manage charter schools effectively.
Tough Decisions and Community Reactions
- Don Cooper asks about tough decisions Murray had to make regarding charter school openings and closings.
- Murray shares an example of a contentious closure decision and the emotional reactions from parents.
- He explains the importance of ensuring safety, order, and educational progress in charter schools.
- Murray highlights the challenges of balancing community concerns with educational outcomes.
Interactions with Other University Presidents
- Don Cooper asks about Murray’s interactions with other university presidents regarding charter schools.
- Murray mentions some conversations at President’s Council meetings and mutual respect for GVSU’s standards.
- He notes that most discussions focused on core business issues like enrollment and state funding.
- Murray reflects on the institutionalized nature of charter school management within universities.
Reflections on Charter Schools’ 25th Anniversary
- Don Cooper asks Murray to reflect on the 25th anniversary of charter schools in Michigan.
- Murray sees a mixed story, with some educational gains but also ongoing challenges.
- He highlights the success of some charter schools, particularly in Detroit, and the need for more innovation.
- Murray emphasizes the importance of addressing failing schools and improving educational outcomes.
Innovation and Competition in Education
- Don Cooper asks if the development of charter schools spurred innovation in traditional public schools.
- Murray believes it did, noting the urgency it created to improve public schools.
- He mentions the efforts of Mayor Duggan in Detroit to improve public schools in response to charter school competition.
- Murray reflects on the mixed success of charter schools in driving innovation and the need for more specialty schools.
Grand Valley State University’s Reputation in Chartering
- Don Cooper asks about GVSU’s reputation in the chartering sector.
- Murray praises GVSU for its disciplined approach to metrics, willingness to intervene, and fiscal responsibility.
- He highlights the university’s commitment to driving money back into schools and ensuring fiscal discipline.
- Murray concludes by expressing his admiration for GVSU’s role in chartering and its impact on educational outcomes.
