Good morning, CharterFolk. Today we are please to present a Contributor Column from John Taylor, the CEO of Elevate Charter Schools. We provide a brief bio for John below. John Taylor is the CEO of Elevate Charter Schools, the management partner of the Danbury Charter School, a public charter school approved by the State of
This post introduces Danyela Souza Egorov, founder of Families for NY and a seasoned advocate for school reform in New York City. It critiques the $40 billion education budget despite declining student enrollment and poor educational outcomes. Additionally, it discusses the challenges from the new NYC class size law, with implications for teacher quality and school funding.
Good day, CharterFolk. Today it is our pleasure to share with you our sixth edition of “CharterFolk on the Move,” an update provided by Mollie Mitchell, the President and Founder of The K12 Search Group, about CharterFolk taking on new positions of leadership within the movement. We provide a bio for Mollie below. Mollie Mitchell is
Denver Families for Public Schools, led by Clarence Burton Jr. and Pat Donovan, emphasizes the need for a public education system that serves all students. They advocate for inclusivity and community involvement, challenging the status quo amid declining student outcomes. Their vision includes strong public charter schools as vital components of educational equity and excellence in Denver.
The 2025 Brian’s Voice Awards recognize contributors who advance the idea of educational equity and advocacy for kids.
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.
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.
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.
Sabrina Pence, CEO of FirstLine Schools, highlights strategies for bridging learning gaps and enhancing student engagement post-pandemic. Through innovative programs like the Edible Schoolyard and WOOF, FirstLine focuses on holistic development, integrating real-world learning, community involvement, and social-emotional learning, fostering an environment where both students and teachers can thrive.
John Engler emphasizes the urgent need for charter school supporters to unite politically ahead of critical gubernatorial elections in 2026 to protect and advance their movement.