Central Michigan University

• Policy forum to kick off National Charter Schools Week 2008

Topics in this story: College of Education and Human Services, Education, News tips and sources, The Center for Charter Schools

SOURCE:
James N. Goenner, executive director, The Center for Charter Schools
Central Michigan University
Web site: http://www.thecenterforcharters.org

CONTACT:
Scott Ray, external relations director, at 517-364-9600 or 989-621-0596
E-mail: sray@thecenterforcharters.org

Regarded as "a national leader in the charter school movement," Central Michigan University's James Goenner will help kick off National Charter Schools Week by participating in U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings' National Charter School Policy Forum May 5 in Washington, D.C.

Goenner, executive director of The Center for Charter Schools at CMU and chair of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, is available to comment on the forum, National Charter Schools Week and other matters related to charter public schools.

A few of Goenner's initial thoughts:

• "As the first and largest university authorizer of charter public schools in the nation, Central Michigan University is committed to advancing quality educational options and accountability for children and their families. National Charter Schools Week provides an opportunity to reflect on how much has been accomplished and how much is left to do to fulfill the charter promise."
• "Authorizing charter public schools is about providing passionate professionals with the opportunity and flexibility to create quality educational options and environments in order to meet the needs of students and their families."
• "Charter public schools empower parents with an increased ability to choose a school for their child based upon the learning environment and programs offered rather than simply being assigned a building based upon the zip code in which they live."
• "It is an honor to be invited by Secretary Spellings to help celebrate National Charter Schools Week and showcase Central Michigan University's leadership in pioneering charter public schools for Michigan families. Today, 30,000 students are attending 58 schools chartered by CMU, where they are being taught, nurtured and inspired to new heights."

James Goenner














CMU Media Relations contact:
Lindsay Allen
989-774-7327
allen1lm@cmich.edu