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_{Leaders of Impact, Salish Sea Elementary Charter School, just approved to open in Seattle}

Last week I attended a public meeting of the Washington State Charter School Commission. This Commission decides how many new charter schools to open each year.  Despite the bright early summer sunshine flowing into the large meeting room at  the Technology Access Foundation in South Seattle, attendees felt a marked note tension in the air.

Past Commission meetings have been marred by protests and disruptions from the state's powerful WEA union.  Union executives hate the idea that parents, especially in marginalized and underserved communities, might "escape" the system by choosing their own schools.  For years they have tried, so far without success, to shut down every charter school in the state.  Instead, new community-based versions of the popular independent public schools open every year.

The Commission last week began with testimony from parents, teachers and other concerned members of the public.  Many had traveled from Bellingham to speak out in support of Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WHIS), which is working with local tribes to provide support for students.  One woman joyfully sang a Native American song in support.  At that point the tension noticeably lightened, and smiles broke out across the room.  Even normally stern Commission members softened their air of official dignity.