Summit a Success

Thank you to all who attended the sixth annual Summit meeting in Boise on March 3!  

The day was an overall success that marked the highest legislative attendance we’ve ever had!  Thirty-four Idaho Legislators joined us for a very informative lunch that consisted of great interaction between charter school advocates and lawmakers, and presentations from Shirley Rau and Dr. Chunghua Wang of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.  

Dr. Wang presented the preliminary results of his landmark study of Idaho charter schools to the legislators.  You won’t be surprised to learn that his findings show charter school students out-performing traditional school students in all categories, and that 97% of charter school parents, children, and teachers report that they are happy with their education choice.

Another Summit highlight included Superintendent Tom Luna, who garnered a standing ovation on his introduction.  Superintendent Luna gave us an update on the current budget challenges in Idaho public education and his perspective of how best to deal with these challenging times.  We are very fortunate to have Tom Luna and his business experience at the helm of the Department of Education at this moment.  We are all feeling the pinch, and he is doing his best to ensure public education suffers as little as possible while being prepared for an uncertain next few years.

Coalition Community Manager Ken Burgess gave us an update on current legislative issues affecting charter schools, and moderated a panel discussion with Senator Goedde, Representative Nonini, and new Public Charter School Commissioner Gayle O’Donahue on the importance of developing relationships, and communicating with your legislators.

Melinda Nothern of Summit Communications delivered a presentation on Marketing, Public Relations, and News Media relations and how best to utilize these tools to the benefit of your school and the charter school movement in general.

Thank you to Shirley Rau, Diane Demarest, Laurie Wolfe, and Cody Claver for helping plan and execute the day.  It was a great event, and we look forward to more informative gatherings.

More Coverage in The Statesman

Coalition President Briana LeClaire recently had a commentary piece published in The Statesman, entitled "Charter schools do a better job at less cost to taxpayers." Read more here.

In addition, The Statesman also has published several other pieces from parents and students who were reacting to a negative column about charter schools. Read more . 

Thanks to everyone who's stepped up to have their voices heard!