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Public Education and Charter Options: Urban Native Perspectives
The history of public education in America is complicated and rife with institutional and systemic racism. For Indigenous people in particular, American public schooling in the 19th and 20th century was brutal, characterized by forced assimilation and overt efforts to erase culture, separation from family, physical harm and even death in boarding schools, and generational … Read More
Haid’s Story
By Haid Bloxham, Co-President, Finance and Operations Since stepping into the role of Co-President of WA Charters alongside Natalie and Rekha, I have been reflecting on why education has been a north star for me and my career. I grew up in Atlanta, the middle of three girls, and benefited from the love, resources, and … Read More
Rekha’s Story
By Rekha Bhatt, Co-President, Innovative Schools Each fall, as a new school year kicks off, I reflect on my own experience with schooling and what drives me in this work. This year, I am entering my 16th year in education. I started my professional career in education with Teach for America serving as an English … Read More
Fundraising Learning Series: Q&A with Gina Fafard, BoardOnTrack
What are some effective ways you’ve seen board members support charter schools? One of the most effective ways board members can support their charter schools is to clearly understand their roles and responsibilities and maintain a relationship with their CEO grounded in mutual trust and respect. Boards that do this well are actively engaged in … Read More
CSP Grantee Spotlight: Washington State Charter Schools Association
NCSRC regularly features interviews with CSP grantees in this newsletter to help grantees learn from each other’s work. This month, we hear from Jeannette Vaughn, CSP Project Director and School Implementation Coach at the Washington State Charter Schools Association (WA Charters), which has held a CSP SE grant since 2019. NCSRC spoke with Vaughn about WA Charters’ … Read More
Summer 2022 Professional Development in the Charter Public School Sector
This month, charter public school leaders, teachers, and staff across the state are back in school buildings, engaging in leading-edge professional development (PD), getting inspired, connected, and ready to deliver a school experience that meets not only the academic, but also the social and emotional needs of all students. Washington’s charter public schools emerged out … Read More
Commission Update Regarding Impact Public Schools
Published here by the Washington State Charter School Commission Olympia, WA – Today the Washington State Charter School Commission provided a statement and update on Impact Public Schools. “As one of the state agencies tasked with regulatory oversight of Washington’s charter public schools, we are committed to supporting the availability of education options for families … Read More
Graduate Spotlight: Krina Caldwell, Summit Sierra, Class of 2022
This summer we are sharing stories of charter public school sector seniors (now graduates). Check out the 2022 WA Charter Graduate Spotlights here! It’s time to reflect! What are you most proud of accomplishing in high school? What was most challenging? The thing that I have the most pride over accomplishing in high school is … Read More
Our Statement in Response to U.S. Dept. of Education’s Preview of Finalized Charter Schools Program Rules
A preview of the final rules for the administration of the Charter Schools Program and grant competition released by the U.S. Department of Education last Friday look to be less harmful than the Department’s original proposal. In March, the original proposal received an immediate and national response from parents, students, teachers, school leaders, and education … Read More
Our Statement on the Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
While WA Charters exists to support and advocate for charter public schools, we recognize that we cannot effectively do our work if we are not responsive to the needs of our communities and the issues that impact community members’ lives beyond the walls of schools. As an anti-racist, community-rooted organization, we recognize abortion as essential … Read More