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% […]
Oral History
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 […]
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 a lackluster student to a passionate educator. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and discipline in […]
Interview of Bishop Raymond Rivera, Ph.D.
\Bishop Dr. Raymond Rivera discussed his background in East Harlem and the founding of the Latino Pastoral Action Center (ELPAC) 33 years ago to holistically empower Latino communities. He highlighted the success of the Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS), which started with one school and expanded to multiple high-performing schools. Rivera emphasized the importance […]
Interview of Graham Browne
Graham Browne, founder of Forte Prep Charter School in Elmhurst, Queens, shared his journey inspired by a life-changing scholarship. He emphasized the importance of creating educational opportunities for diverse students. Browne discussed the challenges of starting the school, including finding a building and recruiting staff, and the initial operation in a daycare basement. He highlighted […]
Interview of Ed Cox
Ed Cox discussed his entry into the charter school movement, inspired by the 1986 “A Nation at Risk” report. He highlighted the effectiveness of Catholic schools, which cost half as much but performed twice as well. New York adopted the Michigan charter school law, emphasizing transparency and fairness. Cox stressed the importance of governing boards […]
Interview of Randy Daniels
Interview of Randy Daniels, Founding co-chair, SUNY Board of Trustees Charter School Committee, New York Secretary of State (2001-05). Businessman, and former CBS News correspondent. With Robert Bellafiore, Founder & President of Stanhope Partners. Robert Bellafiore and Speaker 2 emphasized the need for accountability in public education, advocating for year-round schooling and more direct instruction […]
