On a beautiful Monday evening in June, 2017, the Center for Education Reform convened the leaders of the charter school movement from across the country and every state, with VIPs from Washington and American business in a unique salute to the innovation and opportunity that so many charter schools afford kids and families. The reception carried with it a breathtaking view of the Capitol, from the roof of 101 Constitution Avenue, NW.
The event not only helped to kick off the National Charter School Conference which comes to Washington, DC every 4 years, but introduced the new Charter School Roundtable, a project of CER and its trusted allies around the country.
More than 200 guests were treated to a visit by the Honorable Betsy DeVos, US Secretary of Education, and they showed her appreciation for her hard work as they sought to grab a picture or share a story. DeVos encouraged the audience to use her administration as a resource and took the time to meet with reformers while cameras captured the inspiring moments.
The group also heard from CER’s Founder and CEO Jeanne Allen, Congressman Paul Mitchell (R-MI), Jack Kemp Foundation president Jimmy Kemp and Italian Ministry of Education leader Catherine Flumiari, others.
Congressman Mitchell gave an emotional account about the value school choice has in the form of vouchers and online schools which transformed his son’s life after he was adopted by Mitchell and his wife. The Congressman noted that the individualized care that choice provided for his family emboldened him to become a leading advocate in Congress.
Jimmy Kemp highlighted the importance of empowerment and opportunity for all Americans, and ensuring that we make education excellent and accessible to support all those who seek to achieve the American Dream. The Center for Education Reform enjoys a special relationship with The Jack Kemp Foundation. Last year, Kemp and Allen moderated The Kemp Forum on Expanding Opportunity which has guided the education policy debate throughout the year. Finally, Flumiari spoke of the importance of language, it’s role in history and it’s importance in education. She works to expand the use of the Italian language and its culture throughout schools in the US.
Though the spectacular views of the Capitol and Washington Monument were captivating from a distance, the strength shown by the charter school movement with a bold vision for the future made the event that much better. Special thanks go to our sponsors, including BB&T Bank, BMO Capital, and Carnegie Learning. CER is grateful to all those who participated and who share our enthusiasm for the work ahead.
