Charter school laws didn’t appear everywhere at once. In this episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner highlight two bold frontier stories—California and Colorado—where courageous leaders and cross-aisle coalitions helped chartering carve new paths.

From California’s SB 1448 negotiated in a few days by bipartisan champions, to Colorado’s collaborative law shaped by Peggy Kerns, Bill Owens, and community stakeholders, this episode uncovers how vision, strategy, and political courage turned idea into policy.

Guests:

Ember Reichgott Junge – author of Minnesota’s first charter law, movement pioneer

Don Cooper – charter historian and civic leader

Whether you lead a school, work in policy, or just believe in educational innovation, join us to hear how these Western states blazed bold trails—and what their stories teach about leading change where you are.

California

Colorado