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 […]
Oral History
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 […]
NCSC23: The Progress of the Founders Library Over 5 Years
Ember Reichgott Junge is enthusiastic about the progress of the National Charter Schools founders’ library over the past five years, which she attributes to Jim’s initial vision. She emphasizes the library’s growing importance as charter schools face criticism from both political extremes, stressing the need to maintain the movement’s core values. Additionally, she is surprised […]
Inside ‘The Founders’: Marc Strenberg, The Walton Family Foundation
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Joel Klein’s vision for educational reform emphasized competition and accountability, leveraging entrepreneurial talent to improve school systems. He advocated for school choice as a means to drive systemic change, empowering parents and encouraging innovation among educators. The Walton Family Foundation’s strategy focuses on investing in entrepreneurs to increase the […]
A School Founder’s History: Don Shalvey, Aspire Public Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Don Shalvey recounted the formation and growth of Aspire Public Schools, starting with a chance meeting with tech entrepreneur Reed Hastings in 1997. They formed Californians for Public School X, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, to lift the cap on charter schools in California. After gathering 1.1 million signatures, they collaborated […]
Inside ‘The Founders’: Victoria Rico, George W. Brackenridge Foundation
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Transcript Victoria Rico, chair of the George W. Brackenridge Foundation, discussed the foundation’s efforts to support high-performing charter schools in San Antonio, Texas. She co-founded Choose to Succeed to recruit and support charter operators like KIPP and IDEA Public Schools. Rico highlighted the foundation’s role in expanding these schools, noting […]
Inside ‘The Founders’: Nina Rees, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ The conversation highlights the significant contributions of Kim Smith and Howard to the growth and innovation of charter schools. Kim’s early investments in Aspire Public Charter Schools and her organization’s role in securing federal Race to the Top and i3 grants were pivotal. Howard is recognized for his advocacy for […]
A School Founder’s History: Brett Peiser, Boston Collegiate and Uncommon Schools
Courtesy of The 74 Millionhttps://www.the74million.org/ Brett Peiser discussed the founding of Boston Collegiate Charter School in 1998 and the subsequent formation of Uncommon Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization. Initially, Boston Collegiate started with 120 students and has grown to over 700. Uncommon Schools, established in 2004, now operates 49 schools serving 16,000 students in […]
