National Charter Schools Week, 2009

Proclamation 8372 of May 4, 2009

National Charter Schools Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Improving our schools is the collective responsibility
of all Americans--business owners and workers,
educators and parents, students and their communities.
We must ensure that all students receive a high-quality
education that delivers the knowledge and skills needed
to succeed, and that young men and women stay on the
path to graduation and a life-long commitment to
learning.

Many successful public charter schools across the
Nation are working to meet these goals. Founded by
parents, teachers, and civic or community
organizations, our Nation's public charter schools
enjoy broad leeway to innovate.

The best public charter schools and their students are
thriving in States that have adopted a rigorous
selection and review process to ensure that autonomy is
coupled with greater accountability. The growth of
effective public charter schools benefits our children,
and States have an important role to play in their
expansion.

During National Charter Schools Week, we recognize
these public charter schools for their dedication and
commitment to achievement in education. They are models
of excellence and are promoting the interests of our
children, our economy, and our Nation as a whole.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 3 through May 9, 2009,
as National Charter Schools Week. I commend our
Nation's successful public charter schools, teachers,
and administrators, and I call on States and
communities to support public charter schools and the
students they serve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
nine, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-third.