LANSING, MICH – October 21, 2009 – With unprecedented levels of federal education funding at stake, Michigan families clamoring for educational options have found an ally in Democratic State Senator Buzz Thomas, of Detroit. Yesterday, Senator Thomas introduced ground-breaking legislation to expand the supply of quality public charter schools for Michigan families and students, a move that may also help to improve Michigan’s chances as it competes in the Obama Administration’s “Race to the Top” competition.

"Senator Thomas is joining a growing list of pragmatic, results-oriented Democrats around the country who are committed to finding new ways to solve old problems," said Joe Williams, executive director of Democrats for Education Reform, a national advocacy organization. "This is the kind of leadership that is required today if we are going to save public education and see to it that Michigan students have the educational opportunities they deserve."

The Thomas “Smart Cap” proposal represents a first of its kind initiative that could serve as a model for state leaders across the county. His proposal would remove caps for “schools of excellence” that have demonstrated success in Michigan or other states. A limited number of original charters could still be awarded each year to aspiring charter school founders that have a sound plan to meet the needs of students, but have not operated charter schools to date.

Former Clinton education advisor Andy Rotherham first wrote about the “Smart Cap” approach in 2007. According to Rotherham, “Smart Charter School Caps, by focusing on growth and quality, offer a political and substantive ‘grand bargain’ to move beyond today's stalemated political debate.” He noted, “It takes creative leadership from a guy like Buzz Thomas to forge such a bargain, but if Michigan can get this right, they can at once move past their current debates on charter schools and improve their standing in the Race to the Top competition.”

This past summer, President Obama announced the $4.35 Billion “Race to the Top” Program,” to "prepare every child, everywhere in America, for the challenges of the 21st century.” Although the final regulations are still under development, the Administration has sent a strong signal: states that lift caps and expand charter school opportunities will increase their chances of receiving federal funds under this competitive grant program. Michigan law currently limits the number of charters that can be created or authorized to 150. Several states are already considering changes to their charter school laws, and may look to Michigan as a model.

New York State Democratic Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, a leading charter school advocate who has proposed lifting the cap on charter schools in New York State added “Senator Thomas’ proposal recognizes the need to expand the supply of proven, school models for all students. Increasing the number of quality public charter schools – including in large urban areas such as New York City and Detroit – is a key component to serving our families, and ensuring each child has the opportunity for academic success.”

“My goal is to encourage quality school operators to replicate their success and expand learning opportunities for students. We need to move beyond traditional political posturing and give all Michigan students access to the quality education they deserve and our state and federal funding that we desperately need,” said Thomas. “Secretary Duncan’s visit to Detroit signaled a call to action – put partisan bickering aside, and focus on what works for Michigan’s children.”

Charter schools are public schools that operate free from most of the mandates and constrictions placed on other public schools. A recent study by Stanford economist Caroline Hoxby comparing the performance of 41,000 students found that New York City students who attend charter schools from kindergarten through eighth grade close 86 percent of the achievement gap in math and 66 percent of the gap in English (as compared to students who stayed in a traditional public school).