Friends, We learned a great deal about the educational needs of our children through this painful past year of the COVID pandemic. Our kitchens, living rooms, and garages were converted into makeshift virtual classrooms. Parents became teachers’ aids and tech managers. Kids learned to do show-and-tell and gym class and art and math and reading while in front of a screen. We learned flexibility and adaptability are essential, not just to getting through the worst, but to ensuring our kids can be their best. We learned we all need a little grace in facing these challenges. Now more than ever, families need to be able to choose public schools that best fit their child’s needs. And no child or family should be penalized for their decision or have lesser options simply because of their zip code. Today, more than three million students, most African American and Latino, access quality public education through charter schools, and nearly half the public school students in Kansas City and St. Louis attend charter schools. These innovative public schools break down barriers that have kept families of color from the educational opportunities they deserve. The pandemic shone a bright light on the need for more and better public education options for students. Charter schools can be nimble while remaining strictly accountable for maintaining high educational standards and serving the needs of diverse learners. As we emerge from the devastating effects of COVID on health and our economy, we know communities of color have been disproportionately affected. Strengthening public school options that help millions of families thrive will be a key factor in helping communities across the U.S. to recover. Sincerely, Douglas Thaman, Executive Director Legislative NewsNew Facilities Funding for Charter Schools.For the first time, 5 million dollars has been allocated for charter public schools' deferred maintenance. Without bonding authority, Missouri's charter public schools have had used operating dollars for high dollar maintenance costs. The appropriation of $5 million provides an additional source of assistance. Many thanks to our Government Affairs Team for this great outcome! This legislation now goes to Governor Parsons' desk for his signature. Funding EquityToday, the Missouri legislature missed a critical opportunity to ensure equitable funding for all public school students across Missouri. With 4 hours left in Session, the Senate adjourned early, leaving the question of charter public school funding equity unresolved. Because of you, we’ve come closer to passing charter public school funding equity for your students than ever before. The work isn’t over. We will continue to fight for Missouri’s students - for their right to equitable funding, choice, and a quality public education that’s right for them. The Faces of Charter Public Schools We are collecting stories from students, parents, teachers, and community members about the value of Missouri's Charter Public Schools. Read our "The Faces of Charter Public Schools" e-book and learn how charter schools are impacting lives. Click below to read the stories Announcing the 2021 Kansas City Excellence in Education Finalists Elementary Teacher of the Year George Howard Jefferson, University Academy Meghan Jefferson, Kansas City International Academy Claire Polk, Gordon Parks Elementary Middle/High School Teacher of the Year Katie Hendricks, Brookside Charter School Saray Tustison, Frontier School of Excellence Lauren Weeks, Kansas City International Academy Staff Member of the Year April Flowers, Frontier School of Excellence Bennie Jackson, Genesis School Jennifer Scheneman, Scuola Vita Nuova School Leader of the Year Mark Barber, Frontier School of Innovation Nicole Goodman, Scuola Vita Nuova Elyar Isgandarli, Frontier School of Excellence CONGRATULATIONS! Kairos leader named one of "30 under 30" by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Gavin Schiffres is the co-founder and CEO of Kairos academies, a K-12 public charter school in St. Louis that has innovated student choice and self-direction. Kairos has been highlighted as one of the most promising models for 21st-century schooling by Forbes, The Today Show, Education Week, Teach For America, and more. Gavin and his team are reimaging school around personalized learning and self-direction, so their students gradually earn ownership of where, when, how, and with whom they work to prepare them for college. Gavin graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with honors for his theses on charter school policy and design and holds a Master's in Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis MCPSA's Bilingual Director of Advocacy, Christy Moreno, address the challenges faced by English Language Learners (ELL) Click the article to learn more |