2025

When Districts Won’t Renew Motherhood and Apple Pie – How We Get Over the Free Rider Challenge in Charter School Advocacy

The post outlines the challenges facing the charter school movement, exemplified by the potential closure of Gabriella Charter School. It emphasizes the need for improved advocacy, coherence, and financial contributions to build collective strength. The author calls for increased engagement among charter advocates to ensure their movement thrives and reflects shared values.

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CharterFolk Contributor Kendall Massett – A Day (or 10) at the Fair: My Reflection on Delaware’s Charter Community, Curiosity, and Connection 

Kendall Massett, executive director of the Delaware Charter School Network, reflects on her first experience at the Delaware State Fair where over 100 families expressed interest in charter schools. The event highlighted the ongoing challenge of dispelling myths about charter schools and showcased the importance of community connections in education advocacy.

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Midweek Whip Around – Charter School Headway | Policy Maker Grade Inflation

The post reflects on the mixed landscape of charter schools and public education in the U.S. While charter schools show substantial progress, especially in states like Missouri and Connecticut, Democratic policymakers lag in embracing reforms, often stifling growth and improvement. Critics highlight this disconnect between educational needs and political courage, with many policies lacking real impact.

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CharterFolk X Vol. 5.6, Jacqueline Elliot — “You don’t walk on this earth alone. You have a commitment to those around us.” 

Jacqueline Elliot, founder of Los Angeles County’s first charter middle school and former CEO of PUC National, views middle school as pivotal for student engagement. Starting her career in health education, she championed educational reform and established multiple successful schools, emphasizing community impact and advocacy. Jacqueline is transitioning to an advisory role, promoting future leadership development.

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CharterFolk X Vol 5.5 – Dr. Elaine Swafford, “Fix-It Woman.”

Dr. Elaine Swafford is a transformative leader in Chattanooga’s education landscape. As CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, she has significantly enhanced the school’s focus on STEM and college readiness. Celebrated for her community engagement, Elaine emphasizes creating opportunities for students, ensuring success beyond academics while fostering partnerships within the community.

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CharterFolk Contributor Sarah Meskin – A Decade of Growth: Bluum’s Impact on Idaho’s Public Charter Sector

Good afternoon, CharterFolk. Today we are pleased to share a Contributor Column from Sarah Meskin, director of communications for Bluum in Boise, Idaho. We provide a bio for Sarah below. Sarah Meskin serves as the Director of Communications for Bluum. Born and raised in Danville, California, she spent several years volunteering for different educational nonprofits

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