Illinois Charter School Commission Members Announced

Nine Individuals to Serve on New Public Charter School Authorizing Board

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Illinois State Board of Education announced the members of the new independent Illinois Charter School Commission. The Commission is an Illinois entity with statewide chartering jurisdiction and authority, created as a result of the Charter School Quality Act, which Governor Quinn signed into law on July 20, 2011.

The launch of the Commission heralds a new era of charter authorizing in Illinois.  As it considers charter applications from across the state, the Commission will operate under clear standards that focus on quality and accountability, helping to ensure that charter schools meet their goal of dramatically improving student performance.  The law will also help new schools to open in Illinois communities that have not traditionally had access to strong public school options.  This will be particularly significant outside Chicago where charter options remain insufficient.  

The Commission members are the following:

Glen Barton, Former CEO Caterpillar, Peoria IL
Sean Denney, Illinois Education Association, Evanston IL
Jaime Guzman, Chicago City Colleges, Chicago IL
Mike Jacoby, Illinois Association of School Business Officials, DeKalb IL
Greg Richmond, National Association of Charter School Authorizers, Chicago IL
Angela Rudolph, Joyce Foundation, Chicago IL
Paul Swanstrom, Former Superintendent, Joliet IL
Patricia Watkins, Target Area Development Corporation, Chicago IL
Rudy Valdez, Hamilton Sunstrand Corp. Rockford IL

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) applauds these appointments and congratulates the exemplary individuals chosen to serve. INCS President Andrew Broy says, "We commend Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois State Board of Education for their judgment in recommending and selecting an accomplished and diverse group of leaders, representing a range of sectors, communities, and perspectives in Illinois. The years of hard work, advocacy, and negotiations have paid off, and students will benefit from these efforts."  

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is dedicated to the improvement of education by establishing high-quality charter public schools that transform lives and communities.  As the voice of the Illinois charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation on behalf of the charter sector, provides support to strengthen charter schools, and influences education policy for the benefit of all public school students.

Contacts: Sylvia Ewing
312-629-2063 x33
[email protected]

SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools

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