Pub. 2 2012-2013 Issue 1

5 T BOARD Message Watering in the Desert C.S. Lewis said, “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” As I look to the new school year, I see a parallel between the education of our children as we prepare them for their future and the challenges of living in a desert climate. Some years are plentiful: lots of rain, snow pack and run off while during other years we are keenly aware of our desert surroundings. Educationally speaking, the charter school movement really isn’t any different. We have experienced great seasons of “rain fall, snow pack and run off” as well as intense periods of “arid drought” throughout our history. The accomplishments of the original founders of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools along with those who have joined over the years have been remarkable in promoting and defending greater choice and innovation for all students in Utah. The positive exposure from events like “Charter Day on the Hill,” where Chris Bleak did an outstanding job bringing charter schools together, allowing your students access to their legislators and Governor Herbert. Chris led the charge with support from various legislators in passing critical legislation that has improved funding for charter schools. But, as we look forward we have a great deal of work ahead. As Board of Directors, we are committed to supporting charter schools by focusing on three points: 1. Supporting charter schools through training and advocacy: Charter schools are the reason we exist and we want to support them in ways that are meaningful to you! We, as an association, hold regular monthly trainings, member meetings and our summer conference to build unity, network and share best practices. As you focus on your schools and teaching your students, you need a voice on the hill that will ensure your interests are protected. The Association is that consistent and effective voice for various levels of state government. 2. Connecting you with business partners that support charter schools: There is a great deal involved with planning, starting, and running a school, everything from lockers and lunch to financing and accountants. We connect charter schools with businesses that provide the best products and services. 3. Increase communication: Parents are the reason charter schools exist. We want to provide parents the information and tools they need to choose the best charter school for their child. We want our association to give parents a “one-stop shop” for all things charter: what they are, where they are, and even how to start your own. From our web-site, you can search for charter schools in your area, research what makes each of them unique and find out their enrollment procedures by linking directly to their school’s web-site. As we work together we will continue to irrigate deserts. GERRY HASSELL, BOARD CHAIR UTAH ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: SUSIE ASHLIMAN GERRY HASSELL LINCOLN FILLMORE JESSIE KIDD SONIA WOODBURY BRAD NELSON DEBBY LLEWELYN STAFF CONTACT INFO: CHRIS BLEAK, President 801-680-8141 chrisrbleak@utahcharters.org TINA SMITH Director of Operations 801-558-7256 tina@utahcharters.org TWITTER: @UTAHCHARTERS FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/UAPCS WWW.UTAHCHARTERS.ORG