On Thursday, Sept. 28, Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), Republican lead of the Senate Education Policy Committee, was recognized as the MN Association of Charter Schools (MACS) Champion Award recipient. 

“Ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education remains a top priority of mine,” Coleman said.“Charter schools allow Minnesota families to choose an educational option that best fits the unique needs of their child. This is a mission I strongly stand behind, and I will continue to serve as the voice of our charter schools at the Capitol.” 

The award acknowledges and honors those who have played an important role in defending the principles of innovative education and charter school law. The recipient is also someone who stands up for the rights of charter schools and their teachers, students, and community members as part of the charter school movement in Minnesota.

“Senator Coleman, a strong proponent of high-quality innovative education and choice for public school students, has been an ongoing champion of charter school issues and legislation,” Joey Cienian, MACS public policy & advocacy director, said. “During her tenure in the Minnesota Senate, she has always had a keen interest in issues that impact chartered public school students in her district and across the state.”

During the 2023 legislative session, Coleman authored and shepherded legislation on transparency and accountability for Education Management Organizations and Charter Management Organizations. In addition, she authored or co-authored important bills on relevant issues for chartered public schools such as evidence-based literacy instruction and bringing high-quality teachers into schools from all backgrounds. She also championed legislation focused on non-exclusionary discipline and appropriate school support, innovations to the substitute teaching licensing process, and tax holidays for school supply purchases for parents.

“As a member of the Senate Education Policy Committee, Coleman has had an open door and willingness to listen to the solutions that the chartered public school community has put forth to address the challenges and issues faced by chartered public schools,” Cienian added. “She has also been a significant advocate to ensure that chartered public school students are considered when issues of school quality, safety, accountability, and transparency come up.”

The MN Association of Charter Schools, as a membership organization, advocates for fair and just education policies for students in charter schools, supports charter school innovation, quality and accountability, and facilitates cooperation in Minnesota’s charter school community to promote equitable opportunities and excellence in education for students. Learn more about the organization at www.mncharterschools.org.