Ember Reichgott Junge and Peggy Kerns discussed the origins of charter schools in Colorado and Minnesota. Peggy, a former state representative, highlighted the 1993 Colorado bill’s journey, noting initial opposition but eventual bipartisan support. The bill faced challenges from education associations and legislative hurdles, including a Senate watered-down version. Governor Romer’s intervention was crucial for passage. Peggy emphasized the bill’s goal to strengthen schools, not replace them, and expressed concerns about funding, teacher certification, and the impact on traditional public schools. Ember noted the need for better messaging to dispel myths about charter schools. Both agreed on the importance of public school choice and innovation.
Transcript
Action Items
- Connect the meeting transcript and supporting documents to the National Charter Schools Founders Library.
- Continue the work of the National Charter Schools Founders Library to inform policymakers, media, and teacher candidates about the origins and purpose of the charter school movement.
Outline
Introduction and Background of Charter Schools in Colorado
- Ember Reichgott Junge introduces herself as the Minnesota State Senator who authored the first charter school law in 1991.
- Ember mentions Peggy Kerns, a fellow Democrat and author of the House bill in Colorado in 1993, with whom she has a strong bond.
- Ember outlines the purpose of the interview: to discuss how Minnesota and Colorado compare in charter school laws and to document the journey for the National Charter Schools founder library.
- Peggy Kerns introduces herself and explains her interest in charter schools, which began during a time of educational reform in Colorado.
Early Efforts and Challenges in Colorado
- Peggy discusses the Independent Public School Act of 1992, which allowed the state to do chartering, not individual school districts.
- The bill faced opposition but piqued interest, leading to a group led by Barbara O’Brien advocating for charter schools.
- Peggy shares her experience of being asked to be the house sponsor after Representative John Irwin’s sudden death.
- The team, including Alex Medler and Governor Romer’s staff, worked on molding the bill, using Minnesota’s law as a model.
Influence of National Figures and Key Meetings
- Peggy mentions the influence of Ted Coldery’s essay in Bill Clinton’s book “The Third Way” on the structure of the bill.
- Ember and Peggy discuss the impact of a major meeting in December 1992, attended by Senator Gary Hart and others, on the charter school movement.
- Peggy notes the partisan nature of the movement, led by Democrats, and the initial support from the National Education Association.
- The bill faced opposition from various education associations, leading to intense lobbying and fear among the education community.
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Challenges
- Ember and Peggy discuss the bipartisan support in Minnesota, where both parties were needed for the bill’s passage.
- Peggy explains the close vote margins in the Colorado House and the need for bipartisan efforts due to the narrow difference between Republican and Democratic members.
- The bill faced intense lobbying from education associations, leading to fear and uncertainty among the education community.
- Peggy highlights the support from Hispanic and African American legislators, despite initial opposition from some groups.
Philosophical Basis and Final Bill Passage
- Peggy emphasizes the goal of strengthening schools, not throwing them away, and the need for creativity and innovation in education.
- Ember and Peggy discuss the importance of empowering teachers and the role of Al Shanker in endorsing charter schools.
- Peggy shares her experience of working with Senator Owens, who was negative towards the education bureaucracy.
- The final bill passed after a long debate, with Governor Romer’s intervention and a promise to veto the bill if necessary.
Impact and Reflections on Charter Schools
- Peggy reflects on the success of charter schools in improving education and creating innovation within traditional public schools.
- She expresses concerns about the financial challenges, such as the 80% funding and the lack of teacher certification.
- Peggy discusses the impact of charter schools on school districts and the need for continued innovation and creativity in education.
- Ember and Peggy emphasize the importance of public school choice and the need to educate future generations about the origins and benefits of charter schools.
