Tremendous Turnout for 3rd Annual Charter School Day at Capitol
Yesterday, over 350 parents, school administrators, board members, teachers and students from across the state participated in the 3rd Annual MACS Charter School Day at the Capitol. (This year's turnout was about a 50% increase over last year.)
Those who participated had over one hundred scheduled meetings with legislators - and there were a number of impromptu meetings that occurred as folks moved around the Capitol complex.
The response to our three key messages...
- Charter Schools are Public Schools that make a difference in kids’ lives
- Charter Schools Support Real Accountability and Enhancing Innovation
- Lease Aid Reductions will mean cuts in funding for the classroom, as charters have no other funding source for facilities
...seemed to be well received by most legislators. In fact, a couple of legislators indicated that they wanted to sign on our bill - the Charter School Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2009.
I want to express my appreciation to everyone who participated, and also to our lobbying team - Peg Larsen, Lynne Osterman, and Bill Hoffman - and to our MACS staff - Margaret Uttke, Shad Cooper, and our volunteer interns Carolyn Westra, Stacy Lahr and Max Sirianni - for making the day a tremendous success.
While we have a long way to go in the session - and there will be up days and down days as the legislative process unfolds - yesterday was an up day. We heard good things from both legislators and legislative staff about the students and folks who participated; they did the individual schools and the charter school movement proud.
Everyone in the charter school movement shoul thank the participants for taking the day to come to the Capitol and to help tell the story of Minnesota's charter schools, especially in what is a critical session for the future of charter schools in Minnesota.
I am extraordinarily grateful for everyone's participation and work.
Gratefully,
Eugene Piccolo
Executive Director
