2025

CharterFolk Contributor Jared Austin – Creating the Future We Wish Existed: Why We at Kairos Public Schools Chose to Grow by Adding a High School

Jared Austin, Co-Founder and Superintendent of Kairos Public Schools, emphasizes the importance of creating responsive educational models. With the launch of Luminary Academy, the school aims to meet community needs for high school education tailored to modern demands. The initiative reflects a commitment to innovation, student choice, and personalized learning pathways.

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Why CharterFolk Supported the Filing of an Amicus Brief on the Religious Charter Schools Case

CharterFolk expresses its rationale for supporting an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case about religious charter schools, emphasizing a recent AEI debate revealing substantial opposition to the concept. Polls showed increasing resistance as participants learned more, highlighting that original intent behind charter schools favored nonsectarian public institutions. Ember Reichgott Junge’s presence in court signifies the importance of this original intent.

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Neither Chicken Little Nor Plain Chicken: The Day I Got Kicked Out of an Office and What It Teaches Us About the SCOTUS Charter School Case

The U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on religious charter schools holds significant implications for the charter school movement. Advocates warn that a careless ruling could severely damage public education reform and undermine decades of progress. It’s crucial for the Court to proceed with caution to safeguard the autonomy and effectiveness of charter schools.

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Brandon Brown headshot

CharterFolk Contributor Brandon Brown – Call a Spade a Spade: The Case Against School-Type Agnosticism

The Contributor Column by Brandon Brown critiques the current education system’s failures and advocates for charter schools as a solution. It argues against pretending to be “school-type agnostic,” highlighting the disparities affecting students based on school type. Brown calls for a transformative approach to education, promoting innovation and accountability in schools.

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Whip Around – More Charter School Momentum | Religious Charter School Debate Results | Teachers and Students Alike Embrace AI

The article discusses the growing support for charter schools in Indianapolis, highlighting funding equity developments and policy breakthroughs in Tennessee. While studies on charter school performance remain inconclusive, advocates nationwide push for change. Additionally, the impact of AI on education is examined, revealing varied perceptions among teachers and students.

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CharterFolk X Vol. 4.25, Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn – “What we do matters and it matters every day.”

Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn, principal of Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School in Chicago, has been transformative in education since joining Teach For America in 2007. She champions school choice, joyful learning environments, and student voices. Her leadership, recognized with numerous awards, focuses on equity and improving opportunities for all students in her community.

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CharterFolk Contributor Mercy Herrera — El Camino and Its Importance to Latina Charter Leaders

Mercy Herrera, founder of Equip Academy in Albuquerque, emphasizes the need for culturally affirming leadership in education. Through programs like El Camino, Latina leaders find community, healing, and empowerment in predominantly white spaces. Equip Academy aims to address systemic inequities by centering Hispanic students’ unique needs and fostering inclusive environments for growth.

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