2026

Close-up of a smiling woman wearing a navy blazer and pearl necklace, against a white background.

CharterFolk X Volume 6.2 Natalie Smith — Changing the Way Children See Themselves in the World.

July 15, 2026

Today, we are honored to profile the extraordinary Dr. Natalie Smith, Founder and CEO, Global Citizens Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.  On any given day at Global Citizens Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., a four-year-old might greet you in Mandarin, a kindergartner might switch effortlessly into Spanish, and a parent might text their school’s founder to share that their

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CharterFolk Contributor Chris D’Amato – The Box I Couldn’t Check

July 10, 2026

Chris D’Amato, COO of Matter Real Estate, reflects on his transition from direct involvement in charter schools to an advisory role. While he acknowledges the weight school operators carry daily, he aims to support them by easing operational burdens without overstepping. D’Amato emphasizes the importance of genuine experiences in choosing vendors who truly understand the challenges schools face.

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Succeed. Provoke Blowback. Repeat. And Yet …

July 9, 2026

The post discusses the challenges and transformations within public education, emphasizing the contrasting views on its future. With upcoming milestones and a focus on charter schools, it advocates for a new educational architecture fostering equity and opportunity. The author expresses hope for progress as the education landscape evolves, inviting readers to engage with these ideas.

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CharterFolk X Volume 6.1 Vanessa Garza — Building Girls of Resilience.

July 6, 2026

Today, we are honored to profile the extraordinary Vanessa Garza, Executive Director, Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles. Before math class even begins at Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles (GALS LA), students are already moving. Some stretch into yoga poses, while others run laps or join a Zumba session. The activity isn’t a break

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CharterFolk Contributor Mollie Mitchell – CharterFolk on the Move Volume 9 – July, 2026

July 2, 2026

“CharterFolk on the Move” Volume 9 highlights new leadership appointments within the charter school movement. Mollie Mitchell of The K12 Search Group presents updates on various individuals, including Justin Fuentes as Superintendent of Amigos Por Vida, Dr. Natalie Lewis as Executive Director of Highline Academy, and many others assuming key roles across multiple organizations.

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CharterFolk X 5.31 Maureen Israel — The School That Chooses Everyone Back

June 22, 2026

Today, we are honored to profile Maureen Israel, Executive Director, Bullis Charter School in Los Altos, California. Maureen Israel grew up in Michigan and experienced what she describes as a “very sheltered” Midwestern upbringing that also planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong conviction: Where a child goes to school matters, and parents should have a major say in that decision.  Maureen is the Executive

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A Father’s Day Reflection: Tickets on the Dashboard

June 21, 2026

A Father’s Day story about Amy protecting World Cup tickets after being robbed becomes a metaphor for charter schools’ mission: getting kids to opportunity. Rhode Island’s charter moratorium shows results and public support are not enough; the movement needs sharper critique, stronger political capacity, bolder abundance policy, and deeper solidarity.

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