The article reflects on the challenges and opportunities for public education during the COVID era, emphasizing the urgency for charter schools to focus on students’ needs and seize the moment for reform. It acknowledges the unexpected unity across political views regarding the detrimental influence of teacher unions on education, calling for courage and proactive measures.
Ramona Wilder, CEO of Wilder’s Preparatory Academy, is honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire. The school’s legacy, founded by her ancestors in the 1800s, emphasizes educational empowerment for Black students. Wilder’s Prep is recognized as one of California’s top-performing public schools, with a strong commitment to student success and community engagement.
The author apologizes for missing a post and announces a delayed CharterFolk Chat with Nella Urban Garcia due to an ice storm. He discusses recent legislative developments in West Virginia that are both promising for charter school expansion yet contain concerning provisions, particularly affecting special education students. He emphasizes the need for stronger advocacy to counter negative influences and ensure accountability in charter schools.
CharterFolk discusses ongoing challenges in public education, highlighting a significant disconnect between families and the system. With a notable increase in charter school enrollment during crises, the post emphasizes the urgency for reform, particularly in areas like Providence. The focus remains on advocacy for educational options and support for families amid institutional pushback.
Margie Lopez-Waite, Directora Ejecutiva de la Academia de Las Américas ASPIRA en Newark, Delaware, ha sido reconocida como CharterFolk Extraordinaria. Su trayectoria destaca su resiliencia y liderazgo en la educación bilingüe, creando una escuela charter exitosa y promoviendo políticas que benefician a estudiantes y familias en Delaware.
Margie Lopez-Waite, CEO of Las Américas ASPIRA Academy, is honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for her impactful leadership in bilingual education. From a challenging childhood, she became the first in her family to graduate college. Under her guidance, ASPIRA Academy excelled, expanding to accommodate 800 students and influencing bilingual education statewide.
CharterFolk is experiencing growth, with an increase in readers and subscribers, while focusing on maintaining a non-paywall advocacy model. The founder emphasizes building long-term advocacy infrastructure and financial sustainability through membership dues rather than philanthropy. Readers are encouraged to support CharterFolk through subscriptions and referrals, reflecting a community-based approach.
RaShaun Holliman, the inaugural Executive Director of the Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS), emphasizes the importance of empowering Black and Brown communities through public charter schools. He argues for accountability among political leaders and advocates for expanding access to quality education, highlighting the positive impact of charter schools on student outcomes.
The post addresses the controversy surrounding a charter school in Utah where respected Black athletes have raised concerns. It emphasizes the need for accountability in educational organizations to ensure alignment with values promoting public education. The author argues for a structured hierarchy prioritizing values and agency over unrestricted freedom, urging renewed focus on underserved communities.
Erin Studer, Executive Director of CHIME Charter School in Los Angeles, is recognized as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for his commitment to inclusive education. CHIME serves 800 students, integrating those with disabilities alongside their peers. Erin’s leadership exemplifies the charter movement’s mission of valuing all children and advocating for full integration in schools.