Former President Clinton to Speak as Charter Supporters Nationwide
Come to Atlanta for National Charter Schools Conference
More than 5,000 expected at annual convention, June 20-23, culminating with massive rally at the State Capitol
ATLANTA – Former President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker during Day 2 of the National Alliance for Public Schools’ annual National Charter Schools Conference, scheduled for June 20-23 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, will deliver his remarks during the General Session at 11:30 a.m., June 21, after receiving the National Alliance’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
National Conference to feature Duncan, Booker, Edelman as speakers along with Clinton
Other scheduled speakers at this year’s National Conference, which is expected to attract nearly 5,000 attendees, include U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan (live via satellite), Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, and Children’s Defense Fund Founder and President Marian Wright Edelman.
The National Conference will feature hundreds of seminars and presentations for teachers, administrators, charter board members and school board representatives, politicians on all levels, as well as parents, vendors, potential charter school founders and anyone interested in learning more about charter schools and the role they play in helping to reform and improve public education.
This year’s theme, Because Every Child Can Succeed, embodies the charter school movement more than ever before.
Massive rally of hundreds will serve as Conference’s grand finale
Charter school supporters in Georgia have had a history of staging successful rallies on the steps of the Georgia Capitol Building – from those designed to raise awareness for National Charter Schools Week to the one last month held in support of the 16 charter schools approved by the Georgia Charter Commission.
But those rallies will most likely pale in comparison to the one planned as the grand finale of the National Conference, June 23 (11 a.m.). After the General Session ends, hundreds will board charter buses bound for the steps of the Capitol Building.
Those expected to speak at the rally include former Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent and acclaimed public school reform advocate Dr. Howard Fuller, National Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Groff, Georgia House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton), State Rep. Alisha Morgan (D-Austell) and Georgia Charter Schools Association President and CEO Dr. Tony Roberts.
National Conference in Atlanta at pivotal period
The National Conference and the planned rally come to Atlanta at a time when charter schools and public school choice are at the forefront. Last month the Georgia Supreme Court by a narrow 4-3 vote struck down a lower court ruling and declared the Georgia Charter Schools Commission, the state’s lone alternative charter authorizing entity, unconstitutional. The decision jeopardizes the future of the 16 charter schools approved by the Commission (nine of which are in operation) as well as the 15,000 students attending those schools.
“This rally is designed to show support for quality charter schools, not only here in Georgia, but across the country as well,” said Georgia Charter Schools Association President and CEO Tony Roberts. “The ability to choose where your child receives his or her k-12 public education should be a fundamental right for any parent, and having quality charter schools in our communities gives parents and families viable educational options in their children.”
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ABOUT THE GCSA
The Georgia Charter Schools Association is the only non-profit membership organization for Georgia’s charter school operators and petitioners. Established in 2001, the mission of the GCSA is to be an effective advocate and service provider for all charter public schools in Georgia by:
- Advancing awareness of charter schools and their mission.
- Increasing awareness that charter schools are public schools.
- Communicating charter school needs to state and local officials.
- Supporting legislation to strengthen charter schools in Georgia.
- Facilitating opportunities for networking/collaboration among charter schools in Georgia and nationwide.
- Developing and implementing programs and services that advance student achievement, accountability and success in all of Georgia’s charter schools.
