Public Policy Committee Principles

1) MACS will be an active voice on the issues that affect the direction of the public education system, particularly charter schools, in Minnesota and the nation.

2) MACS will be an advocate of policies about:

• Real public accountability measures and procedures - not bureaucratic rules and procedures that limit choice and innovation;
  

• Policies that enhance opportunities for choice within the public education system of Minnesota;
  

• Policies that are permissive in nature rather than mandates (funded or unfunded) except with regard to health, safety and financial accountability;
  

• Policies that focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes;
  

• Innovative ideas and solutions on the policy and operational levels of public policy issues; and
  

• Policies that ensure equitable funding and directs that all education follow the individual learner to the educational program(s) of their choice.
  

3) MACS will seek to:

• Facilitate proactive collective action by the charter school community to design solutions to public policy issues; and
  

• Partner with other organizations and individuals who have common principles, interest, and standards for engaging in the public debate.