Why we support H422: The Accelerating Charter Schools Act

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 The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is a grassroots organization of parents, students, teachers and administrators advocating for expanding school choice, providing equal funding, and ensuring money follows the child to their school of choice.  We focus on maximizing choice for parents in the charter school space, including “brick and mortar” and virtual charter schools.

Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, H.422

In 1998, the Legislature passed the Idaho Charter School law to allow charter schools to operate. Today in Idaho, charter schools serve 30,000 students with 11,000 more on waiting lists. The majority of charter schools in Idaho have been a great success.  While there have been several minor tweaks to charter school laws since 1998, nothing substantial has been introduced to incorporate what we have learned in the past 26 years.  

Charter school stakeholders including the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, the Governor's Office, Charter School Commission, BLUUM, Stride/K12, the Charter School Network, the Association of Charter School Leaders, ISBA, IEA, and the Idaho Board of Education have been instrumental in shaping a bill that truly represents the needs and aspirations of the charter school community.

The Coalition for Idaho Charter School Families supports H.422, the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, because the legislation:

  • Strengthens and promotes successful charter schools across Idaho

  • Encourages innovation in the classroom and new approaches to teaching

  • Cuts red tape and allows charter schools to focus on teaching kids

  • Gives parents more choices for their children

Key highlights of the bill include:

  • Introduction of new legislative intent language to support charter school development

  • Streamlining the authorization and reauthorization processes for charter schools

  • Establishing pilot charters for innovative models

  • Facilitating the replication of successful charter schools

  • Providing a 12-year renewal term for high-performing charter schools

Support H422: The Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act

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I'm Karen McGee, former President of the Idaho State Board of Education and a staunch advocate for charter schools, I strongly believe in the transformative power of House Bill 422, the "Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act." This bill is not just a legislative update; it's a necessary evolution of Idaho's charter school framework, reflecting over two decades of learning and growth in the charter school sector.

Drawing from my experience in drafting the original charter school law, I see HB 422 as a vital step forward. It makes the charter school chapter more accessible, allowing for greater innovation and operational flexibility. The ability for charters to run daycare and after-school programs, and the streamlining of application and reauthorization processes, are significant advancements. This bill recognizes the unique needs of charter schools, offering them the tools to thrive and expand their successful models.

Moreover, the bill's approach to treating charter holders with multiple schools as a single Local Education Agency is particularly insightful. It simplifies administrative burdens, allowing these schools to focus on what truly matters - educating our children. The extended renewal terms for high-performing charters and the clarity on funding from private organizations are also commendable features.

As a parent advocate, I am passionate about providing the best educational options for our children. Charter schools have been instrumental in offering quality, innovative education tailored to diverse learning needs. HB 422 strengthens this by enhancing the operational framework and supporting the growth of high-quality charter schools.

In conclusion, I urge the public to support HB 422. It's a well-considered, fiscally responsible bill that promises to enrich Idaho's educational landscape significantly. Let's come together to support a bill that champions innovation, quality, and flexibility in education, for the benefit of all Idaho's children.

The Accelerating Charter Schools Act is here!

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Read the new Accelerating Charter Schools Act that was proposed this week in the House Education Committee.

We have an important legislative update for you. The Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, a crucial bill that was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, is now in the legislative process. 

Our collaboration with the Charter School Commission, BLUUM, Stride/K12, the Charter School Network and the Association of Charter School Leaders, has been instrumental in shaping a bill that truly represents the needs and aspirations of our charter school community.

Key highlights of the bill include:

  • Introduction of new legislative intent language to support charter school development.

  • Streamlining the authorization and reauthorization processes for charter schools.

  • Establishing pilot charters for innovative models.

  • Facilitating the replication of successful charter schools.

  • Providing a 12-year renewal term for high-performing charter schools.

Your support is vital. To express your backing, please email your legislator using this link to find your representative. Your voice is powerful and can help ensure the success of this bill.

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, a grassroots group advocating for school choice, equal funding, and policies that allow funding to follow the student, is deeply invested in this legislation. We focus on enhancing choices within both "brick and mortar" and virtual charter schools.

We will keep you informed on the progress of the bill and may reach out for additional support. Thank you for standing with us in this critical moment for our charter schools.

A Crucial Moment for Idaho's Education - The Repeal and Replace Bill

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A Crucial Moment for Idaho's Education - The Repeal and Replace Bill

A New Chapter in Idaho's Educational Journey

Greetings to all who champion charter schools and school choice,

As Idaho approaches a critical juncture in its educational history, the role each of you plays as advocates for charter schools and school choice becomes ever more significant. The 2024 Idaho Legislative session is fast approaching, and with it, an opportunity to enact substantial change through the proposed repeal and replace of the Idaho Charter School Law.

Who We Are: The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families

For those unfamiliar with our organization, the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is a non-profit entity committed to supporting and empowering parents in the advocacy for charter schools, virtual schools, and school choice. We believe in arming parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively participate in shaping the future of our children's education.

The Journey Thus Far

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity and collaboration. Invited to work alongside key stakeholders, including the Governor's office, our team has played an integral role in shaping this bill. This collective effort bore fruit recently when the charter commissioners formally adopted the bill as agency supported legislation, marking a significant milestone towards our objective.

The Road Ahead

Yet, this is not the end of the journey but rather a call to action. The fate of this bill now lies in the hands of the Idaho Legislature, and the influence of parents like you is pivotal. Your voice and involvement in this process are not just beneficial; they are crucial.

Why Your Support Matters

Collaborative Efforts: This initiative, led by Gov. Brad Little and Interim Director Alex Adams, saw collaboration with various charter school stakeholders, including BLUUM, the National Coalition for Public School Options, the Charter School Network, Idaho’s Virtual Charter Schools, and our Coalition. Your support acknowledges and extends this collaborative spirit.

-Leadership in Innovation: The proposed legislation aims to reaffirm Idaho's position as a leader in innovative charter schools. Advocacy from your end is key to regaining this leadership role.

- From Regulation to Support: Signifying a shift from a regulation-centric approach to one that prioritizes support, the bill focuses on enabling charter schools, amplifying parent voices, and moving administrative burdens away from the classroom.

- Empowering Charter Schools: At its core, the bill seeks to empower educational institutions, ensuring that government roles are facilitative rather than obstructive in innovative learning practices.

**Join Us in This Endeavor**

The importance of your voice and action in these crucial times cannot be overstated. We invite you to visit our website to delve deeper into the bill's details and implications.

We also encourage you to become a parent volunteer, playing an instrumental role in the passage of this bill in the upcoming legislative session. Your participation could very well be the tipping point in this pivotal chapter of Idaho’s educational future. Send us an email hello@idchartercoalition.org or signup here.

Our Collective Impact

Your steadfast support and dedication to enhancing Idaho's educational landscape are invaluable. Let us join hands to effect a significant and positive change.

Together, we can shape the future of education in Idaho.

Tom LeClaire

President

Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families

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P.S. Stay Updated:

- Read about the bill in today's article on Idaho Ed News.

- Watch our advocates passionately testify in support of the bill at the Charter School Commission meeting. [View the testimony starting at the 13-minute mark](#).