CCSA Celebrates New Leadership, New Look, and Kids-First Agenda at 26th Annual California Charter Schools Conference

News provided by

California Charter Schools Association

Mar 11, 2019, 09:45 ET

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) proudly announced the launch of its new brand as more than 3,000 charter school teachers, leaders and advocates convened in Sacramento at the 26^th Annual California Charter Schools Conference. The new brand comes on the heels of a new era of education policy focused on all kids, and new leadership at CCSA, including Myrna Castrejón, president and CEO, CCSA and Margaret Fortune, president and CEO, Fortune School and board president, CCSA.

"I'm thrilled to be back at CCSA, working alongside our community of charter public school teachers, leaders and staff who prove every day that our kids are absolutely worth fighting for," said president and CEO, CCSA, Myrna Castrejón. "We have a clear-eyed vision and commitment to ensure ALL kids in California have access to a great education in charter schools and beyond."

Castrejón is the first Latina CEO of CCSA, and Fortune is the first African American to be Board President of the association. These visionary leaders have a deep and personal understanding of the importance of advancing equity in education for all students in California, so that more students across the state can access joyful and rigorous public school communities that prepare them for success in college, career, community, and life.

"This is an historic opportunity for two women of color to lead one of the most impactful public education efforts in the nation. Together, working alongside our charter school community, I know we can open the doors of opportunity, achievement and equity for all kids," said CCSA Board President and Fortune School President and CEO Margaret Fortune.

California's charter school community is convening at the Sacramento Convention Center this week, to celebrate these historic changes and demonstrate the strength of the movement at a pivotal point in our state's education landscape. During this year's Conference, CCSA will host the Stand for All Students Rally on March 13 at 3 p.m. at the West Steps of the Capitol, where over 6,000 advocates for a public education system that prioritizes kids over politics will demand full funding, and insist that the legislature deliver for all students and defend great schools.

Also at the 26^th Annual California Charter Schools Conference, attendees will get to hear from renowned speakers, including Arne Duncan, Former United States Secretary of Education, Dr. Steve Perry, Founder & Head of Capital Preparatory Schools, and Doug Lemov, Managing Director, Teach Like a Champion.

Highlights from this year's Conference also include:

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2019

Opening Plenary Session: 8:15-9:30 am, Wells Fargo Pavilion: 1419 H St, Sacramento, CA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Wednesday Plenary Session: 1:30-2:45 pm, Wells Fargo Pavilion

Stand for all Students Rally: 3-4 pm, West Steps, California State Capitol

Over 6,000 California public school advocates rally at the West Steps of the State Capitol to demand the California Legislature Stand for All Students. Remarks by Myrna Castrejón, Margaret Fortune and charter school leaders, parents and students. Charter school performances.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019

Closing Plenary Session: 11:15 am-12:30 pm, Sacramento Convention Center, Room 310

Doug Lemov, Managing Director, Teach Like a Champion

Additional Information:

660,000: Approximate number of students at California charter schools
1,323: Number of California charter public schools
3,000: Approximate number of conference attendees
150 conference breakouts, 36 expo presentations/posters, more than 250 exhibiting companies
Charter schools are public schools. They are tuition free and serve all students. Across the state, charter schools are excelling academically. Learn more.

About the 26^th Annual California Charter Schools Conference
The California Charter Schools Conference inspires academic excellence, operational integrity and unity among charter schools throughout California. The conference is presented by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). For more information, please visit www.charterconference.org.

About California's Charter Schools
California's charter schools are public schools built to put the needs of students first. Public, free, and open to all, charter schools are a valuable part of our public education system. They offer a different approach -- one that is as unique as the kids they serve, one that puts kids above bureaucracy, and one that gives passionate teachers the flexibility to create dynamic lesson plans tailored to kids' individual needs. As a result, charter schools send more kids to college and are preparing more kids for the jobs of tomorrow.

Media Contact
Caity Heim, CCSA
916-926-8234
[email protected]

SOURCE California Charter Schools Association