The National Charter Schools Founders Library was prominently featured in the American Enterprise Institute’s Education Policy Debate Series, focusing on the motion: “The US Supreme Court should rule in favor of Oklahoma’s religious charter school. It’s right on the law and policy.” During the debate, moderator Nat Malkus referenced our repository of charter school originators, […]
Interview of Ted Lempert
Ted Lempert, former California assembly member and current CEO of Children Now, discussed his role in sponsoring AB 544, a pivotal charter school legislation in California. AB 544 lifted the cap on charter schools, shifted the burden of proof to school districts, and allowed charters to operate as nonprofits. Lempert emphasized the bipartisan support and […]
Governor Roy Romer
Governor Roy Romer supports the development of charter schools, which he believes can foster innovation and reform in education without being a sole solution. He emphasizes that charter schools should not privatize public education but rather enhance it by creating a critical mass of new schools and networks. Romer insists that charter schools should align […]
Bill Clinton Promotes Charter Schools in 1992 Presidential Debate (clip)
Bill Clinton advocates for an aggressive school reform program to address the issue of high school graduates lacking basic skills. He supports increasing choices within public education, including charter schools, while opposing the use of tax money for private schools. Clinton emphasizes the importance of decentralization, empowering better-trained principals, teachers, and parent councils to have […]
Interview of Theresa Lubbers
Teresa Lubbers, former Indiana State Senator, discussed her seven-year journey to pass the state’s first charter school bill. She emphasized the importance of freedom and accountability in education, noting the bill’s passage in 2001. Lubbers highlighted the role of multiple authorizers, including mayors and higher education institutions, in supporting charter schools. She noted that 51% […]
Oklahoma SCOTUS Case: A Primer
Foundations of Chartering Policy “Charter schools” began as an idea about how to improve public education. Though its origins extend through the decades, the idea came together in the late 1980s as a response to the 1983 report, A Nation at Risk. In general, the original charter idea embraced three principles: 1) parental choice among […]
Interview of Gov. David Ige and Mike McCartney
Ember Reichgott Junge moderated a panel discussion with former Governor David Ige and former Senator Mike McCartney on the evolution of Hawaiian charter schools. As of 2025, 38 charter schools in Hawaii serve over 13,000 students, with 17 focusing on Hawaiian culture and five offering Hawaiian language immersion. The panelists discussed the historical context, including […]
Protected: Hawaiian Cultural Schools Interview
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Interview of Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos discussed her lifelong advocacy for education freedom, emphasizing the importance of diverse learning environments. She highlighted her role in establishing the West Michigan Aviation Academy and her involvement in Michigan’s charter school movement. DeVos challenged the traditional education system’s bureaucracy and advocated for policies that empower parents and families. She noted the obstacles […]
Interview of Phil Pavlov
Phil Pavlov, former Michigan State Senator, discussed his journey in education policy, emphasizing the importance of parental choice and the role of charter schools. He highlighted the challenges and successes of the charter movement in Michigan, noting the significant increase in charter school enrollment to 150,000 students annually. Pavlov reflected on his 14-year tenure in […]
