What We’re Up To

As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but think about how grateful we are for our incredible community. Without the support of charter school families, community partners, school leaders, educators and charter sector supporters and organizations, we would not be where we are today. We are all sitting at the same table together, working together to create an equitable and sustainable environment where our scholars can grow and thrive. We are grateful that families have the ability to choose the school solution that best fits their child’s needs. Thank you for your support of our work and for continuing to support charter school communities in Washington State! We wish you a happy and safe new year!

If you are interested in learning more about what we do or joining us in our work, reach out to us via our Connect with Us form.

Family Meeting Toolkit Update

Carla and Emily have continued to work on the Family Meeting Toolkit in preparation for it to be launched. If you would like a preview of the materials or would like to learn more about what the Family Meeting Toolkit is and if it is a good solution for your group, please reach out to Emily: [email protected] 

Charter Sector News

• New Data Suggests Charter Schools Students In Washington State Outperforming Peers

• We love to hear about parents who are serving as advocates in their school communities. Check out WA Charters’ blog post about a Summit Olympus parent who exemplifies cultural humility: Cultural Humility in Action: Yolanda’s Journey as a Parent Advocate for Washington Charter Public Schools

Commission Staff Highlight: Executive Director Marcus Harden

Emily sat down with the Commission’s new Executive Director, Marcus Harden in November to ask him a few questions about his vision for leading the Charter School Commission and to get to know him a little better.

What is your vision for leading the WA State Charter School Commission?

"My vision for leading the Washington State Charter School Commission is centered around two key priorities. First, it is essential to provide strong oversight and compliance coaching that ensures we honor the intent of the charter school law. This law was created to provide students—particularly those who have been historically underserved—the opportunity to access a free, high-quality public education.

Second, I strive to serve as a modern authorizer, creating a space that is truly democratic, where schools, communities, families, and most importantly, students are not just heard but actively engaged. Our role is to ensure that their voices are central as we tackle the challenges facing our educational system and society at large."

What is an accomplishment outside of work that you are particularly proud of?

"My proudest accomplishment outside of my work is raising my six nephews, a privilege that has shaped my life in profound ways. A close second would be my daily commitment to living authentically and vulnerably, always striving to be a man in service to others—especially those whose voices have long been ignored or silenced. I am deeply humbled by the light that others have shown me. And, on a lighter note, I must admit that I often feel like I’m Batman."

Tell us something interesting about yourself that many people might not know.

"An interesting, and somewhat random, fact about me is that I've had the opportunity to appear briefly in both a reality/docu-series and a game show. Blink, and you’ll miss me!"

What is your message for charter school families?

"I want charter school families to know that this sector belongs to you. We are merely stewards of the trust you place in us, both as the Commission and as school leaders. We carry the responsibility of ensuring your children receive the best possible education with the utmost care. It is an honor and privilege we do not take lightly. I encourage you to make your voices heard—attend Commission meetings, share your feedback, and engage with us. We are here to serve you and your children."

You can learn more about the Commissioners and Commission Staff by visiting the About the Commission section of their website.

Advocacy in Action: IEP & SPED Tips

Did you know OSPI's new Comprehensive Inclusive Education Plan highlights the vital role of parents in supporting students with special needs? This resource outlines practical ways to foster stronger collaboration between families and schools. Take a few minutes to review the plan here and use it to advocate for meaningful participation in your child’s education—it’s your voice that makes inclusion truly effective!

Each month, we will feature a new tip from our IEP & SPED Advocate, Eric Willard. If you are in need of advice or advocacy, please reach out to him: [email protected]

Upcoming Community Events

WA Charters

2025 Legislative Session Kickoff

Please join WA Charters to kick-off the 2025 legislative session in style! they will discuss what they have been hearing, pertinent bills for education, and a forecast for the 2025 legislative session.

• When: January 15, 2025 at 6:30pm

• Where: Register online to join the Zoom by clicking this link

January Legislative Session Update

This virtual event is for charter public school families, friends, staff, and community members to come together and learn about the progress of our legislative priorities and steps you can take to help support our priorities.

• When: January 29, 2025 at 6:30pm

• Where: Register online to join the Zoom by clicking this link

To learn more about Upcoming Events and WA Charters’ legislative priorities and learn how you can get involved, visit the Advocate page of their website.

Charter School Commission

WA Charter School Commission Meeting

The Commission just had their final meeting of 2024 on December 12th. Here are the Agenda and Materials for that meeting.

Details for the next meeting: