Charter Schools in Rockford Form Alliance

The Rockford Charter Schools Alliance to educate, advocate

ROCKFORD, Ill., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Public charter schools have changed the face of education in Rockford by providing families with additional educational options, and they are about to make an even stronger impact on the public school community.

Legacy Academy of Excellence, Galapagos Rockford Charter School, and CICS Patriots Charter School have joined together to form the Rockford Charter Schools Alliance (RCSA). The three institutions have unique cultures and missions, but they share a common goal: Producing great outcomes for the children of Rockford. The members of the RCSA charter schools will work together to provide a collective voice for the charter school portion of the Rockford public school community. The RCSA advocates for public charter schools while educating the public about these free, open to all, college preparatory schools. The group also brings together civic and school leaders in order to collectively nurture the public education landscape so that Rockford students can reach their full potential.

"Public charter schools in Rockford are evidence that families want options when it comes to where their children go to school," said Andrew Broy, President of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. The three schools serve nearly 800 students under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Forte at Legacy, Rebecca Denzer at Galapagos Rockford, and Charo Chaney at CICS Patriots. All three schools are showing impressive academic gains which come at a fraction of the cost to taxpayers that traditional public schools are allotted.

The RCSA was formed in May of this year with the key goal of providing more information on public school choices. RCSA member and Legacy board member Robert King said, "Bringing together civic and school leaders, we exemplify one of the most beneficial aspects of the charter school movement: The partnership between public and private entities leveraging our resources in order to serve the community in challenging times."

"We pledge to work collaboratively with the city and RPSD 205 to improve academic outcomes for all Rockford children," said Nathan Bryant, board member of the CICS Rockford Charter School Organization. "It is only by being exemplary members of the community that we can best serve students," added Michael Lane, co-founder and CEO of Galapagos Rockford Charter School.  

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is dedicated to improving the quality of public education by promoting and invigorating the charter school concept. The voice of the state's charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation to strengthen charter schools, educates the public about the value of charter schools, and supports the dissemination of best practices throughout the system.

Contacts: Jim Publicover,
312-235-0798 x14
[email protected]

SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools