3 Idaho Lawmakers Recognized as 2018 Charter School Champions

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2018) – The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (National Alliance) announced today that Senator Lori Den Hartog (R), Senator Bob Nonini (R), and Representative Judy Boyle (R) would be honored as 2018 Champions for Charters. This year’s bipartisan cohort (comprised of 11 Democrats and 9 Republicans) joins a distinguished body of honorees dating back to the award’s inception in 2006.

“Anywhere education policy is made, we need charter champions and we are proud to have these tireless leaders in Idaho,” said National Alliance President and CEO Nina Rees. “Driven by a conviction to provide high-quality charter public school options to Idahoans, these legislators have fought for more flexibility, less bureaucracy, and more innovation for Idaho’s charter schools.”

This year marks 20 years since Idaho’s first charter schools opened. Today, charter schools in the Gem State serve more than 21,000 students in 52 schools. Lawmakers like Den Hartog, Nonini and Boyle have been trailblazers in their efforts to expand high-quality, free public school options for students across the state – particularly in rural communities.

Grounded by her conviction to inspire and equip the next generation of creators and innovators through a quality educational system where families have options and opportunities, Senator Den Hartog has advanced legislation to ease administrative burdens on charter schools, expand staffing flexibility, and streamline the charter school application process.

Senator Nonini has served on both the House and Senate education committees and was chair of the House committee. Included among his many accomplishments, Nonini spearheaded efforts to expand school choice, created the STEM Action Center, and was a member of the Governor’s Higher Education Taskforce. Nonini believes that, “parents deserve the right to choose how they educate their children…and should not be penalized for choosing one method over another.”

Challenging the status quo of entrenched institutions and closed minds, Representative Boyle has been fought for charter schools at every step. She sponsored legislation to expand staffing flexibility for charter schools, assisted in streamlining the charter school application process, pushed for equitable funding, and consistently calls to task those who would place the needs of adults and systems ahead of what is best for Idaho’s children and families.

“Senators Den Hartog and Nonini and Representative Boyle are staunch supporters and advocates for Idaho’s public charter schools and their families and children,” said Idaho Charter School Network President Terry Ryan. “We are lucky to have their support, and they are worthy recipients of this national charter school award.”

To view the full list of 2018 honorees, click here.

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About Public Charter Schools

Public charter schools are independent, public, and tuition-free schools that are given the freedom to be more innovative while being held accountable for advancing student achievement. Since 2010, many research studies have found that students in charter schools do better in school than their traditional school peers. For example, one study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University found that charter schools do a better job teaching low income students, minority students, and students who are still learning English than traditional schools. Separate studies by the Center on Reinventing Public Education and Mathematica Policy Research have found that charter school students are more likely to graduate from high school, go on to college, stay in college and have higher earnings in early adulthood.

About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the public charter school movement. Our mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector. For more information, please visit www.publiccharters.org.