2021 - CharterFolk

The National Alliance’s Latest Report on Growth – Why It’s Imperative We Be Louder About the Fact that We Don’t Want More Charter Schools for the Sake of More Charter Schools

September 25, 2021

This week, a report from the National Alliance highlighted significant charter school enrollment growth, with a 7.1% increase attributed to parents leaving traditional public schools during the pandemic. The growth is particularly strong in Red States. Advocates are urged to articulate a compelling purpose for continuing this momentum in charter school expansion.

CharterFolk Chat with Danielle West-Augustin, CharterFolk of the Year for 2021

September 23, 2021

The CharterFolk Chat features Danielle West-Augustin, Executive Director of Queen City Academy, discussing her recognition as CharterFolk of the Year. The conversation explores her current responsibilities, advocacy efforts, and the importance of engaging staff in political matters. Danielle offers insights for other charter leaders and encourages increased involvement in advocacy efforts.

CharterFolk X Vol 2.3 – Charvez Russell, Playing Every Role Necessary to Ensure that Parents and Communities Can Choose Better Options for Their Kids

September 21, 2021

Charvez Russell, Executive Director of Friendship Academy of the Arts in Minneapolis, has been recognized as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for his significant contributions to education. Coming from a family of educators, he led his charter school to success by emphasizing high expectations and culturally relevant learning, while also championing community engagement and advocating for educational equity.

Naiveté Busting – The Need for CharterFolk to Get Real About the Unionizing Efforts Being Directed Against Our Schools

September 17, 2021

This post addresses the rising threat of teacher unions organizing charter schools, highlighting the naiveté among charter educators regarding unions’ motives and historical impacts. The author emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures to protect charter schools and their students, while recognizing that few organizations are equipped to counter unionization efforts effectively.

CharterFolk Contributor Ariel Johnson – Are We Ready to Fight Yet? Don’t Wait, Just Start!

September 16, 2021

Ariel Johnson, Chief of Staff at the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, emphasizes the importance of advocacy for charter schools amid increasing opposition. She calls for stronger community organizing, harnessing electoral power, and a collective willingness to confront misinformation about charter schools. Johnson stresses that progress requires resilience and unity in confronting challenges.

CharterFolk X Vol 2.2 – Patricia Brantley and Donald Hense, the Friendship at the Heart of One of the Most Important Success Stories Happening in Public Education Today

September 15, 2021

Patricia Brantley and Donald Hense are recognized as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for their significant contributions to Friendship Public Charter School and the charter school movement in Washington, DC. Their partnership transformed public education, improving opportunities for countless students. Patricia succeeded Donald as CEO, continuing the legacy of excellence and advocacy for high standards in education.

25 Red Frowns in Texas – The Importance of Engaging Lawmakers So We See Where We Really Stand

September 10, 2021

Good afternoon, CharterFolk. A last thank you to Angelina Sierra-Sandoval for her terrific Contributor Column from yesterday. For those of you who missed it, I hope you will find a few minutes to read about how Angelina’s mother’s fierce advocacy for her family’s charter school inspired Angelina to create a new program enabling charter school

CharterFolk Contributor Angelina Sierra-Sandoval – A New Network of Parents and Students Scores a Great Win for Charter Schools in Colorado

September 9, 2021

Angelina Sierra-Sandoval starts the second year of Contributor Columns by highlighting the importance of charter schools in Colorado. She shares her family’s experience with charter education, emphasizing its impact on student success. The Colorado League of Charter Schools champions parental engagement through advocacy networks, combating anti-charter legislation to secure fair education opportunities for all.

CharterFolk X Vol 2.1 – Julia Meyerson, Returning to Her Hometown to Prove that Demographics Do Not Determine Destiny

September 8, 2021

Today marks the second year of CharterFolk X, celebrating Julia Meyerson, founder of Vista College Preparatory Charter School in Phoenix. Julia’s journey from education policy to founding Vista emphasizes the belief that demographics do not determine destiny, resulting in remarkable academic success and community engagement despite challenges in Arizona’s education system.

The Union Leader in Her Labyrinth – A Stunning Opportunity to Frame UTLA and Drive a New Narrative for Charter Schools

September 3, 2021

The post discusses the challenges Charter schools face from adversaries, particularly in light of UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz’s leadership. The article highlights Myart-Cruz’s self-interested approach and the detrimental effects of union control on education, urging CharterFolk to promote student-centered funding as a counter-narrative to adult-centric policies.