The charter school "Powerhouse"

Do you wonder if charter schools have effective representation at the State Legislature?  According to The Deseret News UAPCS has, under Chris Bleak's leadership, gone from a fledgling group to a real "powerhouse" in influence among Utah's lawmakers.

UAPCS started with volunteers trying to raise awareness of our issues, and grew to have a part-time "accidental lobbyist."  To be more effective, UAPCS contracted for lobbying service from another "powerhouse," the law firm that also represents realtors.  As it became clear nearly two years ago that UAPCS needed a full-time and more effective presence at the legislature, it turned to Bleak, and charters have been well-served by his work.

This year, UAPCS is shepherding through several important bills that will, once passed, save schools millions, provide startup funding for new schools, and give all schools more flexibility in hiring teachers.  No other group trying to lobby on behalf of charter schools even has a bill that has any language to vote on at this point, nor that has any likelihood of passing.

Frank Pignanelli and LaVar Webb, two of the most connected and influential insiders in Utah's political scene recognize UAPCS for what it has become over the last two years.  Read the whole thing here.  (Unfortunately, their editors at the paper made the silly mistake of calling charter schools private.)