NEWS RELEASE:  General Election Candidate Information Available On Charter School Families Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 30, 2006                                          
Contact:  Briana LeClaire
208-898-0957

In an effort to ensure charter schools families can make informed decisions on primary election day, the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families has posted the results of its 2006 General Election candidate questionnaire on its website: http://www.idchartercoalition.org/elections/.

The Coalition, a non-profit organization representing the parents and families of the more than 8,000 students attending Idaho's public charter schools, does not endorse candidates, but strives to make information available to families regarding prospective policy makers.

"Every election is an important one, so we encourage parents and others interested in educational options for Idaho's children to learn more about the candidates who will make decisions that affect our children's schools," said Briana LeClaire, president of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families.  "We encourage families to be informed -- and to vote on election day!!" 

The questionnaire was mailed to all individuals filed with the Idaho Secretary of State as candidates for the Idaho Legislature and Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

The questions seek to gauge a candidate's position on public education and issues directly related to public charter schools.

There are 28 charter schools enrolling more than 8,500 students in the state, according to the Idaho Charter School Network.

The Coalition is the voice of thousands of students, parents and teachers who together work to make Idaho's public charter schools an education success story. The mission of the Coalition is to promote and advocate for public policy that furthers the advancement of charter schools and the innovations in education they represent. The Coalition works to ensure that every Idaho student has equal access to the option of enrolling in a public charter school whether it offers instruction in a traditional classroom or a virtual setting.

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