The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Honors a Bipartisan Group of State and Local Lawmakers with the 2023 Champion for Charter Schools Award

Honorees are recognized for their exceptional support of charter schools and public education

The National Alliance for Public Schools honored a bipartisan group of 19 state and local lawmakers with the 2023 Champion for Charter Schools Award, recognizing these leaders’ commitment to seeing public education and charter schools thrive and expand in their state. These lawmakers earned this distinction for their tireless efforts in supporting these unique public schools and for displaying the political courage to prioritize high-quality public education options for students. Thanks to their work, many more students and families have access to high-quality education options and a solid foundation to succeed in life.

“This bipartisan group of lawmakers has fought for students, families, and high-quality public education options in their states,” said Nina Rees, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “We celebrate and commend their work in state capitols and city halls, and for putting the interests of students and families first. The ability for public charter schools to innovate and serve more families and communities is possible due to the sound policy put forth by lawmakers like our 2023 Champions. Please join us in expressing gratitude to these leaders for their steadfast support of public charter schools.”

State Representative Doug Richey and St. Louis Alderman and former State Representative, Rasheen Aldridge, Missouri, Missouri, were both honored for their efforts to pass legislation that closed the funding gap for charter public school students while protecting school district budgets.

Representative Doug Richey, Missouri, Republican sponsored HB 1552, a bill to close the funding gap between charter public school students and their district school peers of approximately $2,500 per student per year. His unwavering support helped pass this legislation in 2022.

Representative Richey said, “We owe it to parents and their children to make sure that we’re funding students’ education equitably, whether public charter schools or public district schools. I’m grateful to have joined a great team of advocates to see Charter Funding Equity accomplished!”

St. Louis Alderman and former State Representative, Rasheen Aldridge, Missouri, Democrat showed political courage and unfaltering support for all public school children by supporting Funding Equity legislation, bringing more than $60 million new dollars to the charter schools. This was accomplished while protecting funding for St. Louis and Kansas City districts.

“One of the primary motivations for embarking on a career in public service was to actively contribute towards a brighter future for the children of Missouri. In pursuing this goal, I am proud to have championed increased funding for charter schools while ensuring the protection of district budgets. This achievement should serve as a source of collective pride for all of us,” said Alderman Aldridge.

The Missouri Charter Public School Association is grateful for this bi-partisan support of quality educational options in the State of Missouri