John Booy, an educator focused on urban education, co-founded Excel Charter Academy, one of Grand Valley State University’s first authorized schools. Initially skeptical about charter schools, Booy saw their potential to empower parents and improve educational choices in under-resourced neighborhoods. Despite initial controversies and union opposition, Excel’s success, with high parent and student satisfaction, demonstrated the value of charter schools. Booy highlighted the challenges of expanding charter schools nationally and the need for diverse educational options. He expressed hope for continued growth and innovation in educational models to better serve students and the country.
Transcript
Outline
Founding and Initial Involvement in Excel Charter Academy
- Don Cooper introduces John Booy and asks him to share his background and involvement in founding Excel Charter Academy.
- John Booy explains his focus on elementary education and his work at Grand Rapids Public Schools and Potter House, a Christ-centered urban school.
- John Booy mentions his dual role in 1995, working half-time at GRPs and as the administrator of Potter House.
- John Booy describes how he met the founding team through JC Huizenga, a supporter of Potter House, and Mark de Haan, his former director of development.
Initial Thoughts on Charter Schools
- John Booy shares his initial thoughts on charter schools, noting that the concept was new to him and he was unsure how they fit into the public system.
- He emphasizes the positive impact of giving parents more choice in education, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods.
- John Booy acknowledges the risk involved in founding one of the first charter schools, especially given the controversy and opposition from unions.
- He discusses the challenges of balancing his roles as a public school teacher and a charter school board member.
First Year on the Board
- John Booy recounts the first year on the board, highlighting the learning curve and the revolutionary nature of starting from scratch.
- He mentions the excitement of developing a new curriculum and the strong emphasis on character formation.
- John Booy reflects on the differences between public, private, and charter school systems, particularly the empowerment of parents to make choices.
- He notes the overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, students, and teachers, indicating a strong sense of community and partnership.
Political Challenges and Public Perception
- John Booy discusses the political pushback and negative labels associated with charter schools, such as “destroying urban schools” or “skimming the cream.”
- He shares anecdotes about the early challenges, including the need for reminders about board meetings and the initial resistance to home schooling.
- John Booy highlights the importance of having former public school administrators lead the first NHA schools, which helped gain respect and acceptance.
- He reflects on the ongoing legal challenges and the eventual acceptance of charter schools as a viable educational option.
Expansion and Broader Impact
- John Booy talks about the expansion of Excel and the founding of Grand River Prep, noting the high graduation rates and academic success of students.
- He emphasizes the importance of providing educational choices for under-resourced communities and the positive impact on students’ futures.
- John Booy mentions the broader impact of Excel and Grand River Prep, including the formation of networks and the success of other schools.
- He expresses his commitment to urban education and the belief that charter schools are part of the solution to larger educational issues.
Challenges and Future Vision
- John Booy discusses the challenges of expanding nationally and the difficulty of turning around failing schools in at-risk areas.
- He reflects on the complexities of urban education and the need for innovative solutions to improve educational outcomes.
- John Booy shares his vision for the future, including the hope for more diverse and entrepreneurial educational options.
- He envisions a future where parents have more freedom to choose the best schools for their children, fostering a competitive edge and creative growth.
Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
- John Booy reflects on his personal experiences and the rewarding aspects of serving on the board of Excel and Grand River Prep.
- He highlights the positive feedback from parents, teachers, and students, and the success of graduating students.
- John Booy discusses the broader impact of Excel and Grand River Prep, including the formation of networks and the success of other schools.
- He concludes by expressing his willingness to continue supporting and advocating for charter schools, despite the challenges and controversies.
