The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is proud to honor Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio with a 2022 Champion for Charter Schools Award, recognizing his commitment as a state leader to seeing charter schools thrive and expand in Ohio. Governor DeWine earned this distinction for his tireless efforts in supporting these unique public schools and for displaying the political courage to prioritize high-quality public education options for students.
“I’m honored to receive this award and will continue to do what I can to help Ohio students and schools thrive because I know that one size does not fit all when it comes to education,” said Governor DeWine. “Giving Ohio families quality school options is fundamental in ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met.”
Serving the Buckeye State for many years, Governor Mike DeWine has devoted his life to helping families. As a true champion for educational opportunity for all, Governor DeWine believes in the innovation and high-quality academic rigor that public charter schools provide to Ohio families. During his tenure, Governor DeWine has created funding for supporting and replicating high-performing charter schools, removed restrictions on charter school growth so that more families can be served, and supported facilities funding so more students who attend charter schools can have a safe, welcoming space to learn and grow.
On the National Alliance’s 2022 ranking of state public charter school laws, Ohio jumped from #24 to #12 after making another round of policy improvements to its law, including removing geographic restrictions on where a charter school can be started.
“Governor Mike DeWine is a true champion for public charter schools, and during his distinguished public service career he has made a real difference in the lives of thousands of families by supporting high-quality education options for all students,” said Nina Rees, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “Charter schools wouldn’t be possible without support from state leaders like Governor DeWine who allow for their creation, funding, and growth. Thank you, Governor DeWine, for your steadfast support of public charter schools, their students, families, and communities.”
According to a study led by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, data shows that during the 2020-21 school year, charter school enrollment grew 7%, the largest increase in half a decade. Nearly 240,000 new students enrolled in these innovative, student-centered public schools, despite a sharp decrease in overall public school enrollment during the same period.
“Governor DeWine has been an unapologetic supporter of great charter schools. He’s demonstrated that in deed and not just words. In each of his first two budget proposals, he’s included an innovative funding stream that provides additional resources to the highest performing charters making it easier for those schools to expand and serve more students,” said Chad Aldis, vice president for Ohio policy, Thomas B. Fordham Institute.
The complete roster of 2022 Champions for Charter Schools will be announced on May 10, 2022, during the 2022 National Charter Schools Week. This group of lawmakers from across the country responded to the increased demand for public charter schools and listened to the parents and students in their state and across the U.S. Leaders saw the success that charter schools offered communities and families and took responsibility to seek the same public education options. This is an example of strong government leadership – listening to constituents, noticing nationwide trends, and enacting policy in response.
