Conferences

6th Annual New York Charter Schools Conference a Hit!
New York Charter Schools Association’s annual conference breaks attendance record

Over 300 people gathered at the Park Central Hotel in Set against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, the 6^th Annual New York Charter Schools Conference, Energizing Excellence, was the most successful conference to date. The turn out for the March 16-18 event was the highest it has even been, with over 950 participants and appearances by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Joel Klein, Chancellor of the New York City School District.

The conference provided a venue to distribute current and practical information to charter schools across the state and gave supporters a forum to discuss issues and concerns. The Charter Schools Institute and the New York City Department of Education’s Office of New Schools provided updates on various issues, including applications for charter school renewals, accountability plans, and NCLB requirements for teachers. Charter school leaders shared their knowledge and experience about assessments, leadership, instruction and board development. Conference exhibitors offered information on early intervention, technology, and insurance benefits.

There were many "firsts" at the conference this year. Mayor Bloomberg addressed conference participants during the Welcome Reception, an event that was made possible through the sponsorship of the New York City Center for Charter School Excellence. Mayor Bloomberg spoke about his active and continued support for charter schools and renewed his call for the state legislature for lifting the statewide cap on charter schools. His administration has strongly promoted the creation of charter schools in the City, with the goal of increasing the number of schools to 100. His support, along with other officials and activists, has been instrumental this year in the fight to get the charter schools cap lifted.

NYCSA’s 1^st Annual Student Art Show was unveiled during the Welcome Reception, as well. Ninety art pieces from 18 schools across the state were displayed and auctioned off over the course of the conference. Students, parents and art teachers were delighted to see their works bid upon. Some pieces sold for over $150.

The final day of the conference gave parents a chance to learn more about what they can do to help their children and their schools. Chancellor Klein addressed a large gathering of parents in a special session that emphasized their role as stakeholders in the charter school movement. Chancellor Klein said that without continued parental support, the movement and efforts to lift the cap on charter schools could not succeed. In another session that morning, parents and supporters learned ways they can continue to push the movement forward through various lobbying efforts.

Attendees took the conference theme, Energizing Excellence, to heart. School ;leaders, board members, parents and children, and other supporters were enthused with the quality and usefulness of the information offered in the sessions and the opportunity the conference offered for meeting and connecting with other practitioners across the state.

2004 NYCSA Conference

Over 300 people gathered at the Park Central Hotel in New York City on March 27^th 2004, for the New York Charter Schools Association’s Annual Conference.  The gathering, themed Making Connections, provided attendees with key resources to assist in the organization and operation of charter schools.  

The Conference was highlighted by a powerful keynote address from Chancellor Joel I. Klein of the New York City Department of Education on the importance of charter public schools in education reform.   

Participants were fortunate to hear from Assemblymen Adriano Espaillat and Sam Hoyt as well as Joe Reich, Chairman of the New York City for Charter Excellence.   

Chancellor Klein and Assemblyman Hoyt were the recipients of this year’s “Charter School Champions Award”.  

For photos of the event, please click HERE.