This past June my former 4th graders graduated high school, and though I couldn’t be there to celebrate with them, it was a very proud day for me. Eight years ago I was a founding member of the first middle school Aspire Public Schools opened in Los Angeles, branching out from Oakland, California. As many of you know, opening a new charter school has its challenges, but it is days like high school graduation that make you so proud of the work charter schools do every day.
I am excited to be a part of the charter school movement both as a former teacher and now as a legal advocate on your behalf. When I left the classroom to attend law school my goal was to be a part of the movement. I wanted to ensure that all students had access to excellent education regardless of where they live. Public charter schools provide enormous opportunity for success to children who need a learning environment other than a traditional public school. The work the Texas Charter Schools Association and our member schools do day-in and day-out is remarkable and deserves to be celebrated along the way.
After spending three years specializing in special education, I am looking forward to assisting our schools in their growth, answering your questions, and diving deep into charter school law. As the new Director of Legal and Policy Services, I am thrilled to a part of the TCSA team and advocating on behalf of our charter schools, students, and families. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your great work!
If you are a TCSA Member, please feel free to contact me with any of your legal questions. I can be reached at 512-584-8272 x306 or at cnishimura@txcharterschools.org.
Sincerely,
Christine Nishimura
Director of Legal & Policy Services
Texas Charter Schools Association
