About

who we are

The Center for Strong Public Schools is a home for courageous elected officials who are passionate about transforming public education. We are a powerful voice for education transformation, committed to strengthening public education while ensuring every child in America—especially those from Black, Brown, and low-income communities—has access to high-quality educational opportunities.

We believe the states are the biggest lever to effectuate transformational change in public education, and we believe that lawmakers can transform public education because of their values, not in spite of them. That’s why we equip these courageous elected officials with the policy research, convening opportunities, and support they need to make change for our kids.

We believe deeply in public education's transformative power to be the great equalizer in our society. We see the incredible potential in our public schools and refuse to accept that any child's future should be limited by their circumstances. In places where idealogies push privatization while others defend the status quo, we provide a home for lawmakers who want to champion public school accountability, innovation, and equity.

our mission

Public schools across the country are under-resourced while the future of public education is under constant threat. The Center for Strong Public Schools is dedicated to transforming public education by empowering courageous elected officials who share our mission to improve educational outcomes for all students, especially Black, Brown, and low-income kids. We are unwavering in our commitment to public education, which we work to fortify through policy advocacy, leadership development, convening key education stakeholders, and providing support that promotes highly effective, accountable, and equitable public education systems. We believe deeply in public education's power to be the great equalizer—transforming lives, communities, and our democracy itself.

our vision

We believe in public education's extraordinary potential to transform lives and break cycles of poverty. We envision a future where every child has access to a high-quality public education regardless of their background or zip code. We believe in a public education system that uplifts every student, provides educational opportunity and options within the public system, and serves as one of the most powerful tools for equity and justice in our democracy. We believe the states are the primary vehicle for achieving this transformation.

WE VALUE

Unwavering Commitment to Public Education

At the Center for Strong Public Schools, we believe public education is both a right and a pillar of our democracy. We stand unapologetically against vouchers and privatization efforts that divert funding and attention away from the schools that serve the majority of our nation’s children. At the same time, we embrace public school choice—recognizing that high-quality charter schools, when held to strong accountability standards, can play a vital role within a robust public education system. Our commitment is to all public schools, because we know our collective future depends on their strength.

Courageous Leadership for Students

We support bold leaders who prioritize outcomes over politics and make data-informed decisions that challenge the status quo. We believe these leaders can transform public education with and because of their values.

Student-Centered Tranformation

Our mission is equity. We focus on improving outcomes for all students, especially Black, Brown and low-income students, by advancing policies that address systemic inequities and direct resources based on student need. It means acknowledging the deep inequities baked into our current system while pursuing transformative, forward-thinking solutions that open doors and expand opportunity for all children.

Reimagining Public Education

We are not here to protect the status quo. We are here to reimagine what public education can be. That means preserving what works—but boldly rethinking what doesn’t. We believe the states are the biggest lever to effectuate transformational change in public education.

Data-Driven Decision Making

We believe in transparent, student-focused accountability systems that support educators, improve schools, and ensure every child receives a quality education.

Meaningful Collaboration

We believe in the power of coalitions, bipartisanship, and cross-sector collaboration to improve student outcomes, working alongside on-the-ground partners, community leaders, and policymakers who share our student-centered approach.