Mid-Week Whip-Around – Eclectic Momentum

Good morning, CharterFolk.

I cover something of a hodge podge of progress today. Call it eclectic momentum.

I start in Iowa where a couple of weeks ago I was on a statewide forum about charter school policy with Iowa association CEO Mike Huguelet, who participated in the call from inside the capitol building as he worked on a package of proposals moving through the legislature.

Today we see the fruits of his labor.

State policymakers have provided charter schools a new level of funding equity …

News card showing Iowa Capitol with the headline: 'Iowa Senate approves school choice bill to expand charter school funding,' source kcci.com

… and the University of Northern Iowa as an additional authorizer …

Entrance to the University of Northern Iowa with a brick wall sign and green lawn; headline reads 'Iowa bill allowing UNI to approve charter schools awaits governor’s signature' (kcrg.com).

… among other important breakthroughs.

Additional authorizing options are essential.

School districts in red states oppose new charter schools as much as districts in blue states do. Birmingham’s perfect charter rejection record remains unblemished.

Man in a blue suit and glasses gestures toward the camera as a news crew films; headline reads 'Birmingham denies another charter application, maintaining longtime rejection record'.

Fortunately, a strong appeal body at the state level keeps approving high quality charter petitions.

People seated in a conference room listening to a presenter; news image about the Birmingham charter school proposal and bilingual option.

In Tennessee, in addition to the $40 million in new facilities funding I mentioned last week, the state has given schools that are already authorized at a state level the option of opening additional schools under the state authorizer without needing to first submit an application to the local school district.

Group of lawmakers standing and cheering in a state legislature chamber, with desks, nameplates, and supporters in the background.

Last night, Nashville demonstrated why that option is so important.

Woman speaking at a podium during a school board meeting about charter schools, with attendees in the background.

The district turned down all four new charter petitions that it considered. Each was rejected unanimously. Talk about an unblemished record.

It speaks to the importance of the long-term common sense solution: every charter school developer in the country having the right to go directly to the state.

Over time, successful charter school organizations like KIPP Nashville are turning the entire discussion.

Crowd of people walking up the steps to a red-brick school building shaded by trees, with a caption banner about KIPP Nashville charter schools.

In Denver, KIPP has secured a new building from the school district.

Playground at a school with a blue slide and climbing structure, mural background, and a banner about Denver school board and charter schools.

And the school board actually over-rode the superintendent’s recommendation and approved an Innovation Zone application from a school where 88% of the teachers supported the change.

Cubbies filled with colorful backpacks and jackets in a school hallway; article title overlaid: 'Denver school board adds to DPS’ last remaining innovation zone, over the superintendent’s objection' (chalkbeat.org)

In recent weeks, I’ve been calling out the return of dysfunction to Denver. Might there be hope after all?

In Texas, Harmony continues its astounding pace of growth.

Exterior of a modern school building with brown panels and a red Harmony Public Schools logo; a SUV is parked outside on a sunny day.

In Utah, half of the state’s best high schools are charter schools, with Beehive, a school I visited a couple years ago, occupying the top spot.

Front view of Beehive Science & Technology Academy building with yellow accents, parked cars, and mountains in the background.

Meanwhile, Granada Hills won the national academic decathlon for the 10th time!

Student posing with multiple medals around her neck in a black hoodie, standing before a green background with large white letters, celebrating a national Decathlon victory for Granada Hills Charter.

I end with the National Charter School Institute’s Bold By Choice Conference happening in Michigan this week. A panel discussion with students from Jalen Rose Learning Academy was a centerpiece.

Moderator at podium addresses a five-person student panel on a stage with a bold blue backdrop and 'Bold by Choice Summit' sign.

Advocacy wins.

Academic wins.

Changing discussions.

New growth.

CharterFolk getting together to chart out an even bolder vision for the future.

Eclectic momentum indeed.