5/3/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor, city charter schools initiative garner more national recognition
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson was one of four public officials nationwide recognized this week in Washington D.C. for their leadership and support of public charter schools. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools presented Peterson with its first-ever "Champion for Charters" award during its annual reception celebrating National Charters Schools Week.
Mayor Peterson is the only mayor in the country who can grant charters and authorize schools, thereby creating a sector of new public schools under a nationally recognized accountability system. There are currently 12 Mayor-sponsored charter schools in operation, with three more scheduled to open this fall.
"This award is a testament to how our innovative charter schools initiative has become a model for other cities and states across the nation," said Mayor Peterson. "The impact of charters schools continues to grow nationwide, as more students each year are benefiting from the quality, cutting edge educational opportunities that these public schools provide."
Other recipients of the Champions for Charters award included Colorado Governor Bill Owens, Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, and Florida State Representative Ralph Arza.
The public officials were selected based on the following award criteria:
· Championed a major public charter issue or initiative, particularly over the past year;
· Serve as a highly visible public charter school advocate; and
· Consistently supports public charter schools as a quality school choice option and/or policy.
"Charter schools are answering parents’ demand for quality public education," said Nelson Smith, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. "We are proud to recognize these distinguished policy makers for championing efforts that will help the charter movement grow in both quality and scale, ultimately opening doors for millions more children."
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (www.PublicCharters.org) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement.
In March the Mayor’s charter schools initiative was selected by Harvard University’s Ash Institute for Democratic Governance as a Top 50 Program in the 2006 Innovations in American Government Awards competition. The city will learn this week if it will become a finalist for the 2006 Innovations in American Government Award, which is widely regarded as the "Oscars" for government initiatives.
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