\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 […]
Oral History
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 […]
Pioneers & Practitioners: Freedom Preparatory Academy
Interview of Steven Klinsky
Steven Klinsky, a Detroit native and University of Michigan graduate, transitioned from finance to education reform, founding the first charter school in New York. Inspired by his brother Gary, he established the Gary Klinsky Children’s Centers in East New York. Klinsky partnered with civil rights leader Wyatt T. Walker to create the Sisulu-Walker Charter School […]
Interview of Luis A. Miranda Jr.
Luis Miranda and Robert Bellafiore debated the role of charter schools in public education, with Miranda emphasizing the need for educational opportunities for working-class kids and the importance of competition in the public school system. Bellafiore questioned the social justice implications of charter schools and sought bipartisan support in education. Later, Bellafiore and Speaker 1 […]
2023-Howard Fuller: Committed to Purpose
2023-Howard Fuller Recites Frederick Douglass
Interview of Ember Reichgott Junge
Ember Reichgott Junge discussed the unique characteristics of charter schools, highlighting their energy, flexibility, and community engagement. She emphasized the critical role of quality board members in overseeing finances and academic success. Junge shared her personal experience with leadership improvement and the importance of board evaluations. She also discussed the evolution of authorizers, the need […]
