National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Announces Address from U.S. Secretary of Education on Final Day of the National Charter Schools Conference

Secretary Arne Duncan Speaks to 4,000 Charter Supporters by Teleconference at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is honored to have U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan deliver a message to more than 4,000 charter supporters on Thursday, July 1, the final day of the 10th annual National Charter Schools Conference.  Appearing through a live teleconference, Secretary Duncan will speak at 10:55 a.m. in the Arie Crown Theater.  This event is open to credentialed media and registered conference attendees only.  The theme for this year's conference is "Innovators in Education: Leading the Race to the Top."  A complete overview of the week's activities can be found at www.nationalcharterconference.org.

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Secretary Duncan has been a strong supporter of innovation in education, and has shown he understands the value of high-quality charter schools as a critical component of public education reform.  Under Secretary Duncan's leadership, the U.S. Department of Education has set a high bar for states vying for funds in the federal Race to the Top Competition.  The Alliance applauds his leadership, and is pleased to see that support for charter schools is part of the formula for securing Race to the Top funds.

The Obama Administration's Fiscal Year 2011 budget request includes a significant increase in funding for public charter schools. With a floor of $310 million for the Charter School Programs and the potential for increased funding under a newly consolidated Expanding Educational Options program, the Administration has stated clearly its strong support for successful public charter schools.

Media registration is on the Level Two Lobby in the Lakeside Center at the McCormick Place Convention Center, located at 2301 South Lake Shore Drive.

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (http://www.publiccharters.org) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high-performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement. More than 1.5 million students attend nearly 5,000 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools