Jim Goenner sits down with Senator Buzz Thomas to commemorate 30 years of Michigan’s charter school movement. Buzz shares his personal journey from Detroit Waldorf to the state Senate, the origins of the “hire me, fire me” campaign pledge, and his vision for empowering neighborhoods through quality public-school choice. Along the way, he reflects on […]
MI
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 […]
THE ORIGINATION OF MICHIGAN’S CHARTER SCHOOL POLICY: AN HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
by Jim Goenner, Ph.D. The dissertation “The Origination of Michigan’s Charter School Policy: An Historical Analysis” by James N. Goenner (2011) examines how Michigan’s charter school policy was created, with a focus on Governor John Engler’s role as a public policy entrepreneur. Key Themes & Findings: The study provides a historical and political analysis of […]
Interview of Dick DeVos
November 11, 2024. James Goenner, Ph.D. of the National Charter Schools Institute, interviews Dick DeVos, Founder of West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dick DeVos, founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, discussed his journey from an uninspired student to a champion for educational freedom. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and […]
Arc Changer Stories: GVSU and Flint Cultural Center Academy #SchoolBrag
Learn more and watch the National Charter Schools Institute with Grand Valley State University and Flint Cultural Center Academy, working together to advance education.https://nationalcharterschools.org/resource/arc-changer-stories-relationships-matter/
J.C. Huizenga – Bio
View Charter Founders J.C. Huizenga Founder, National Heritage Academies, Inc. J.C. Huizenga is an entrepreneur, education reformer and business leader. J.C. founded National Heritage Academies, Inc. (NHA) in 1995. NHA now serves over 67,000 students, from kindergarten through high school in Michigan. Entrepreneurial penchant appears to run in the Huizenga family. His grandfather emigrated from […]
Jim Barrett – Bio
View Charter Founders Jim Barrett Board Chair, National Charter Schools Institute Jim Barrett served for 32 years as President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and Advocate for Private enterprise in the legislative, regulatory, political and judicial process. Jim was named by the Michigan Political Historical Society in 2003 as the most effective […]
