Steven Klinsky, a Detroit native and University of Michigan graduate, transitioned from finance to education reform, founding the first charter school in New York. Inspired by his brother Gary, he established the Gary Klinsky Children’s Centers in East New York. Klinsky partnered with civil rights leader Wyatt T. Walker to create the Sisulu-Walker Charter School in Harlem, named after Nelson Mandela’s associate. He emphasized the importance of talent and leadership in schools, noting the success of community-led initiatives like the Charter School for Educational Excellence in Yonkers. Klinsky criticized political obstacles and called for community leaders to be empowered to run their own schools.
Transcript
Outline
Steven Klinsky’s Background and Early Involvement in Education Reform
- Robert Bellafiore asks Steven Klinsky to share his background and career.
- Steven Klinsky describes his upbringing in Detroit, education at the University of Michigan, and career in finance in New York.
- He emphasizes his family’s importance of education and his brother Gary’s influence on him.
- Steven Klinsky explains his initial involvement in education reform through the Gary Klinsky Children’s Centers in East New York.
Transition to Charter Schools
- Robert Bellafiore inquires about Steven Klinsky’s transition to charter schools.
- Steven Klinsky discusses the limitations of the traditional public school system and the potential of charter schools.
- He highlights the appeal of charter schools’ ability to recruit talent and operate a full school day.
- Steven Klinsky compares the charter school movement to the development of the printing press, emphasizing its transformative potential.
Formation of the First Charter School in New York
- Robert Bellafiore asks about the formation of the first charter school in New York.
- Steven Klinsky recounts his search for a community partner and his collaboration with Wyatt T. Walker, a civil rights leader.
- He describes the symbolic significance of partnering with Walker in Harlem, the epicenter of the civil rights movement.
- Steven Klinsky explains the naming of the school after Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela’s right-hand man.
Challenges and Successes of the Charter School Movement
- Robert Bellafiore and Steven Klinsky discuss the challenges and successes of the charter school movement.
- Steven Klinsky shares his experience of working with community leaders and the importance of professional advice and capital.
- He mentions the political challenges faced by the charter movement, including opposition from traditional Democrats.
- Steven Klinsky emphasizes the need for community leaders to run their own schools and the role of enabling organizations like Victory Schools.
The Role of Talent and Leadership in School Success
- Robert Bellafiore asks Steven Klinsky about the key factors that make a school great.
- Steven Klinsky stresses the importance of talent at the board and school leader levels.
- He shares an anecdote about the impact of teacher leadership on student behavior.
- Steven Klinsky highlights the challenges of scaling successful schools and the need for sustained commitment.
The Impact of Politics on Charter Schools
- Steven Klinsky discusses the political challenges faced by charter schools, including opposition from traditional Democrats.
- He emphasizes the need for parents to organize as a political force to support the charter movement.
- Steven Klinsky criticizes the political barriers and dirty tricks used against charter schools.
- He shares examples of successful charter schools and the importance of community leaders in running schools.
Advice for Community Leaders and Private Sector Involvement
- Robert Bellafiore asks Steven Klinsky for advice for community leaders and private sector involvement in education.
- Steven Klinsky advises community leaders to commit to long-term, slow-building efforts like Eddie Laguerre and Sabated Cruz in Yonkers.
- He emphasizes the importance of talent and professional advice in running successful schools.
- Steven Klinsky calls for private sector support in providing capital and professional services to community leaders.
Final Thoughts and Reflections
- Steven Klinsky reflects on the challenges and successes of the charter school movement.
- He expresses frustration with the ongoing political challenges and dirty tricks used against charter schools.
- Steven Klinsky emphasizes the importance of talent and leadership in achieving school success.
- He calls for a return to the original vision of empowering community leaders to run their own schools.
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