• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Schools Chief O'Connell Recognized As ''Charter School Supporter of the Year''

Posted on: Thursday, 6 March 2008, 12:00 CST

The California Charter Schools Association today recognized California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell as "Charter School Supporter of the Year" annual Hart Vision Award recipient. O'Connell accepted his award prior to his keynote speech at the 15th Annual California Charter Schools Conference in Sacramento.

O'Connell was granted the award based on his long-time policy support for high-quality charter schools on behalf of the movement. Back in 2003, O'Connell first created the California Department of Education Charter Schools Division which focuses on oversight and accountability for charter schools. His department oversaw the administration of the federal Public Charter Schools Grant Program, whose purpose is to provide start-up resources for community groups to open high-quality charter schools and to share best practices developed within charter schools with the broader public school system.

O'Connell has also stood for high-quality charter schools. His actions ensured that charter schools could become eligible for the California Distinguished Schools and Blue Ribbon Schools awards, and he worked closely with the California Charter Schools Association to address a small number of charter schools that were violating the public trust.

In addition, O'Connell has worked diligently to break down certain inequities that charter schools face, including lack of access to adequate facilities. O'Connell's department worked hard to ensure that Proposition 39 was fairly implemented from a regulatory stance. He also ensured that charter schools had adequate representation on his P-16 commission, which addresses statewide educational issues.

"State Superintendent O'Connell has been a strong advocate for the expansion of high-quality charter schools as a way to boost student achievement in our public school system," said Caprice Young, president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association. "O'Connell's bold leadership has been absolutely critical to breaking down barriers and allowing high-quality charter schools to thrive. It is our pleasure to award Superintendent O'Connell with our 'Charter School Supporter of the Year' award."

Established in 1995, the Hart Vision Awards were created in honor of retired California Senator and former California Secretary of Education Gary Hart. During his tenure as legislator, Hart authored California's charter school legislation. For this reason, the California Charter Schools Association honors his legacy by presenting annual awards to charter educators for their contributions to educational reform and improved student achievement. Since its inception, the Association has presented close to 50 Hart Vision Awards to California charter schools.

About the California Charter Schools Association

The California Charter Schools Association is the membership and professional organization serving 687 charter public schools that serve an estimated 240,000 charter school students in the state of California. The Association's mission is to improve student achievement by supporting and expanding California's quality charter public school movement.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category