Mr. Smith Goes to St. Paul

Today was Charter School Day at the state capitol and I went up with a few fifth graders who opted to endure long, boring waits for the chance to try their hands at being lobbyists.  We met with Senator Pariseau, Senator Dahle and Representative Bly to talk about charter school legislation and share our stories about Prairie Creek.

There is a great bill being presented this year that will iron out some of the existing issues with charter school oversight, accountability and financing.  It clarifies some of the issues that have arisen as the charter school movement grew and matured in Minnesota.  When a charter school fails or receives bad press, it reflects negatively on all charter schools.  That's why it's so important that charter school authorization be a clear and rigorous process.

The Eureka Township and Northfield legislators are all supportive of charter schools and Prairie Creek.  Representative Bly spent a morning with us this fall and Senator Dahle is coming soon.

Charter Schools and lease aid remain a mystery to much of the public.  Many, many people do not know that Prairie Creek is a charter school and, as such, is a free public school.  If you have questions about charters, please ask them -- you're not alone.  And, if you find yourself in a position to have a conversation about charters with a friend, neighbor or your mailman, please have it.  Personal connections are the best way for people to learn about our school and charters in general.

(You might be wondering what the snake and eagle have to do with charter  schools.  The Minnesota zoo was in the rotunda today sharing their animals with lawmakers.  When I pointed out to the kids that the zoo was lobbying, too, the man who runs the bird show (and who was sporting a very persuasive bald eagle) laughed and said that they call it "thanking" the lawmakers more than "lobbying" them.)