Dear Idaho Charter School Parents,

I hope you're having a great school year so far. It's quiet right now in the halls of the Capitol, but things will heat up soon. Here's a snapshot of events on the horizon:

There are legislative audits of virtual charter schools underway. When I know what you can do to help, I will let you know ASAP.

After the November general election we will have new legislators, a new governor, and a new superintendent of public instruction. They and all other elected officials will know our coalition can be their resource.

The Coalition will continue to keep you abreast of policymakers' activities that could affect educational choice. In the weeks and months ahead, I will send you more of these e-mail alerts about how you can continue to advocate for your children and their public charter schools. If you're ready to get started, here are a few things you can do right now:

-- Write letters to the editor of your local paper thanking those policymakers who support charter schools and reminding those who don't why they're so important.

-- Read through the candidate survey on the website to better understand where elected officials stand on our issues. (It will be updated in advance of the general election. I will let you know when it is ready.)

-- Take advantage of local links to politicians. Treat bumping into them at the grocery store, church, or anyplace at all as a "teachable moment" and remind them you set great store by your public charter school. Keep the conversation positive and focused on your great school, and away from less positive views you may have of other schools. Offer to meet with their more skeptical or misinformed colleagues so they can learn more about those of us who value school choice. Invite legislators to come visit your schools to see firsthand how they operate.

-- Please forward this e-mail to your friends, neighbors and other family members and ask them to sign up on the coalition web site at www.idchartercoalition.org. Our goal is helping our members to be great, informed advocates for public charter schools, and there's no cost or obligation to join.

Let me know if I can help you with any of your efforts. The Coalition is your resource, and if you need anything, including help putting your thoughts into words, please ask for it! Thank you so much for everything you do, and e-mail me with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Briana LeClaire
President
info@idchartercoalition.org
brianaleclaire@hotmail.com