Sharing the charter school experience

CEAM parents and advocates have had a busy 2019 with frequent trips to Jefferson City to testify before committee hearings and visit with lawmakers about important school choice initiatives.

So you would think that this week, when legislators take a break from their duties in Jefferson City for the legislative spring break, would be a chance for CEAM’s parent advocates to take a breather as well.

If you thought that you would be wrong.

One advocate, Keri Wright, saw the legislative break as a perfect opportunity to invite her representative, Rep. Steve Butz, to her children’s school to help him understand the benefits that charter schools can provide. Wright said that Premier Charter School had been life-changing for her family.

“My oldest daughter Madison, was invited to join the gifted program at her Premier,” said Wright. “She was also invited to take part in an accelerated math program after school. My kindergartner, under the diligent assistance of her teacher, no longer needs speech therapy. I found the staff emotionally and mentally invested in the success of my children. My children are offered many opportunities to succeed.”

On Wednesday Wright toured the school with Rep. Butz answering questions about how students got accepted into a charter school, concerns about suspension and expulsions, and how students with special needs are served at charter schools.

Premier, for example always has more students with special needs enrolled than the state average and have not expelled a child in ten years.

Rep. Butz was very thankful for the tour, noting that it was only the second time he had been in a charter school.

If you would like to organize an in-district tour of your child’s school please contact Cici Tompkins at cici@ceamteam.org.