New law makes more high quality charter schools possible
CHICAGO, July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 79, legislation strengthening charter school oversight and making more high quality public charter schools possible. "The Charter School Quality Act will mean more educational opportunity and more great schools for the families of Illinois" according to Andrew Broy, President of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS). This success was paved by the advocacy of parents and civic leaders demanding an independent authorizing body empowered to approve high-quality charter schools across the state. "I commend the Governor for signing the Charter School Quality Act and thank the parents who demanded action and the legislators who heard their call. A special thanks to the lead legislative sponsors of the bill, Senator Heather Steans and Representative Karen Yarbrough, who worked to make this law a reality."
The Charter School Quality Act establishes an independent alternative authorizer for public charter schools, allowing new schools to open in Illinois communities that have not traditionally had access to strong public school options. "Strong authorization is the first step towards creating high achieving schools," noted Broy. "We look forward to working with the new Illinois Charter School Commission and the Illinois State Board of Education to ensure that the Commission becomes a high-quality charter authorizer with statewide reach."
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is dedicated to improving the quality of public education by establishing high-quality charter schools and proving that high-quality public schools can transform lives and communities. The voice of the Illinois charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation to strengthen charter schools, provides support to improve the quality of charter schools, and influences education policy for the benefit of all public school students.
Contacts: Sylvia Ewing
312-235-0798 x33
Mobile:(773)575-0073
sewing@incschools.org
SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools
