CHARTER SCHOOL DAY A SUCCESS

A special thank you to the many parents, supporters, and volunteers who made Charter School Day at the Legislature a success!  We heard great things from many legislators who received your chocolate goodies, visited schools, and stopped by the displays on the 4^th floor of the Capitol.  Your continued efforts to share your story about why choice in public education is important for you child are greatly appreciated. 

Special thanks to the following people:

*  Kerri Pickett, Jennie Nelson, and Diana Esbensen of the Charter School Network

*  Joan Baillie, Idaho Virtual Academy Teacher

*  Don Lynn, Chairman of the Board for Idaho Virtual Academy

*  Compass Public Charter School for scheduling a tour of your school for legislators

*  ANSER Public Charter School for scheduling a tour of your school for legislators

*  Idaho Arts Charter School for scheduling a tour of your school for legislators

We also want to thank the administrators, teachers, volunteers, and students who showcased their schools in the rotunda. 

MEET BRIANA LECLAIRE, CICSF's NEW PRESIDENT

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is proud to announce that Briana LeClaire has been appointed President of the Coalition's Board of Directors.  Briana and her husband, Tom, have three beautiful children and reside in Meridian.  Their oldest daughter attends Idaho Virtual Academy.  Briana brings many great talents to the Coalition and we are honored that she will serve as the President of the Board.  Briana, and all of the members of the Board of Directors, dedicate countless hours to the Coalition and public charter school families across the state.  We appreciate their dedicated service. 

Members of the Board of Directors include: 

 President -- Briana LeClaire, Idaho Virtual Academy (Meridian)

Vice President -- Bart McKnight, Liberty Public Charter School (Nampa)

Secretary -- Annie Dixon, The Academy at Roosevelt Center (Pocatello)

Treasurer -- Gayle O'Donahue, Liberty Public Charter School (Nampa)

At-Large Member -- Leslie Mauldin, Liberty Public Charter School (Nampa)

BOARD APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Directors announced today that they have appointed Bridget Barrus as the new Executive Director of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families.  Bridget has served as President of the Coalition for the past three years and the Board is excited about her new role in the organization. 

LEGISLATIVE PAGE ADDED TO THE WEBSITE

We have added a new section to the website, www.idchartercoalition.org.  Log on today and visit the "legislation" section for the most current information about legislation affecting Idaho's public charter schools, including bill numbers, status, our position, where the legislation currently is, and a brief synopsis of what the bill will do.  In addition, we will also be adding testimony and comments as appropriate as well as when the legislation will be heard in committee or on the floor.