CER Press Alert

CER LEADS CHARTER DELEGATION TO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT 
Bush Signs National Charter Week Proclamation

(Washington, D.C. 5/2/02) Individuals representing a cross-section of the charter school movement joined President Bush today as he signed a Proclamation honoring National Charter Schools Week. The President was joined by Education Secretary Rod Paige for the Oval Office signing.

        The President made clear that he supports charter schools and called them "open and optimistic." Eleven individuals who represent the more than 1.6 million students, parents, teachers, administrators and board members who are involved with charter schools today joined the President in his signing of the Proclamation that celebrates the contributions of charter schools over the last decade.

Joining the President were:

Jeanne Allen, President of the Center for Education Reform.

Spencer Bladsale, Founder and Director of the Academy, Academy of the Pacific Rim of Boston, MA;

Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Charter Schools, Fort Lauderdale, FL;

David Levin, Founder and Director of KIPP Academy, Bronx, NY (Co-Founder of the first KIPP Academy in Houston, now a national model);

State Senator Teresa S. Lubbers, Indiana State Senate, Indianapolis, IN – author of Indiana’s charter law;

Rev. Ellis Smith, Founder, Colin Powell Academy, Detroit, MI;

Ms. Deggra Stratton, Parent/Founder of Merrick Academy, Queens Village Station, NY;

Johnathan Williams, Co-Founder and Co–Director of The Accelerated School in Los Angeles, CA;

State Senator Anthony Williams, Pennsylvania State Senate, and charter school board of director member;

Raul Yzaguirre, President of the National Council of LaRaza, Washington, DC; and

Marykay Zimbrick, Parent/Founder of the Core Knowledge Charter School in Verona, WI.

"President Bush made his commitment to the future and viability of charter schools crystal clear today," reported CER president Jeanne Allen. "We were thrilled and honored to be included in this distinguished group of education advocates."

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Link to full text of Presidential proclamation honoring National Charter Schools Week.

Link to National Charter Schools Week 2002 Home Page.

Link to "W Hails Queens Charter School," By Nicole Bode, New York Daily News, May 14, 2002.

See also: 

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The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For further information, please call (202) 822-9000.

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