SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, California Charter Schools Association President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement regarding the passing of former State Senator Gary K. Hart, author of California’s Charter Schools Act.
Said Ms. Castrejón:
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Gary Hart. California’s education system is stronger because of his dedication to students.
“30 years ago, Senator Hart forever changed our state’s public education system by authoring and gaining passage of the Charter School Act of 1992. His legislation made California the second state in the nation to create charter public schools, which offered parents more opportunities for a great public education that meets the unique needs of their child.
“Today, there are approximately 1,300 schools serving 700,000 students in communities across the state. Since the opening of California’s first charter public school, San Carlos Learning Center in 1994, charter public schools have educated more than 8 million students.
“Senator Hart’s reimagining of the public education system through charter public schools provided educators the flexibility to design instructional models that put students first and deliver a high-quality education.
“On behalf of the California Charter Schools Association and the entire charter public school community, we extend our sincere condolences to Senator Hart’s family.”