Member Testimonials

Our members know better than anyone the value of belonging to NACSA. Whether utilizing technical assistance, taking part in professional development and networking opportunities, participating in advocacy, or utilizing our numerous other resources, membership has real benefits.

Here’s what NACSA members have to say: 

“The materials and technical assistance provided by NACSA have been invaluable as we have developed and refined our authorization process over the past few years. The national scope NACSA provides and the best practices they can bring to bear on any challenge, inform and enrich the work we do on a local level.”

- Sharron Pitts, Chief of Staff, Atlanta Public Schools (Georgia)

“We continually strive to refine and improve our authorizing operation and the publications and tools available from NACSA have been helpful resources for us. Learning opportunities, fostered by networking facilitated by NACSA, have played an important role as well.”

- Kathryn Mullen Upton, Director of Charter School Sponsorship, Thomas B. Fordham Foundation (Ohio)

“The National Association of Charter School Authorizers understands the importance of authorizers in ensuring the basic principles on which chartering is based: freedom to innovate and adapt; choice for families and students; and accountability for performance. Over the past seven years, NACSA has cultivated relationships with authorizers nationwide, and has brought strong national leadership to this consequential set of stakeholders. By working with the Charter School Growth Fund and other national organizations, NACSA serves as a value-added broker between authorizers, charter operators, funders, policymakers, and other essential stakeholders in the charter sector.”

- Ben Lindquist, Portfolio Management Team Leader & Partner, Charter School Growth Fund (Colorado)

“I appreciate the opportunities NACSA has provided in connecting authorizers to broad thinkers – for example, NACSA motivates its Members to attend Executive Education programs at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management – what an amazing opportunity.”

- Rosylin Bessard, Director, School Choice Office, Fresno Unified School District (California)

“As a small grass roots management company and the founder of a charter school, I see my association and rewards with NACSA continuing to grow for years to come. I have participated in NACSA’s last two national conferences – the seminars were invaluable. I have had the opportunity to network with high-level educators, authorizers, fellow management companies, consultants, and speakers and share best practices.”

- Darlene Linski, General Manager, Hanley-Harper Group, Inc. (Michigan)

“NACSA offers a wealth of information and many valuable resources for its members.”

- Stacey Thompson, Special Project Coordinator, Office of Charter Schools, Memphis City Schools (Tennessee)