Senators Cropsey and Kuipers offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 48.

            A resolution recognizing April 30 - May 6, 2007, as National Charter Schools Week in Michigan.

            Whereas, Charter schools are locally established and founded in communities across the state, offering new educational opportunities to tens of thousands of students and families; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s 229 charter schools and the dedicated staff and students who work therein are bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to K-12 education; and

            Whereas, Charter schools are giving all parents more choices in their children’s education; and

            Whereas, Charter public schools encourage competition and are accountable to the public through public universities, community colleges, and local and intermediate school districts that help establish and oversee these schools; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s charter experience has resulted in a nationally-recognized system of leadership, performance, and accountability that delivers effective results for the students and families it serves; and

            Whereas, Charter schools are making great progress toward closing the achievement gap for urban, minority, and poor children across our state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize April 30 - May 6, 2007 as National Charter Schools Week in Michigan in honor of these schools and their past, present, and future achievements.