The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) is proud to present the OAPCS Annual Conference on October 14-15, at the Crowne Plaza Columbus - North. “Charting the Course to Quality” is the inspirational theme for the annual conference this year. The OAPCS Annual Conference features quality educational programming, networking opportunities, exhibits and an opportunity to come together to celebrate the shared commitment to provide Ohio families with a choice in education.

Dr. Rita Pierson will kick off the two-day event on Tuesday, October 14 by presenting, “Success Against the Odds”. This session will address how educators can address the social and academic needs of students who seem to be faced with overwhelming circumstances, without sacrificing their own sanity to do so. Dr. Pierson has been a professional educator since 1974, and is a member of Ruby Payne’s aha! Process programs. Joe Williams, executive director of Democrats for Education Reform will present, “Moral Obligations of Education Reform: Where’s the Democratic Party?,” during Tuesday afternoon’s session.

On Wednesday, October 15, Nelson Smith, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, will share a session with Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives Jon Husted. Mr. Smith will provide an update on the National Alliance’s efforts within the charter school movement, while Speaker Husted will provide his viewpoint of Ohio’s charter schools. The OAPCS conference will close with “A Celebration of Excellence.” This will be the perfect opportunity for the charter school community to come together and recognize one another for outstanding contributions to the movement. Contact the OAPCS if you are interested obtaining a nomination form.

Additional conference information can be found on the OAPCS’ Web site, www.oapcs.org, by clicking the conference image on the homepage.