Education Leader Joins Charter School Board

August 4, 2011

News Release

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett today appointed Robert Koch II to serve as one of seven members on the Indiana Charter School Board (ICSB), which was created during the 2011 legislative session to sponsor high-quality charter schools across the state. Each board member is appointed to a four-year term.

Mr. Koch has a proven track record of improving education in Indiana. As a founding member and President of Signature School in Evansville, the first charter high school in Indiana, he will bring a wealth of knowledge to the ICSB.

“Today we move forward to fulfill our promise to expand the number of high quality public school options throughout Indiana,” said Dr. Bennett. “Bob is a tremendous community leader and a fierce advocate for students. He will serve Hoosier students well as a member of this board.”

The Indiana Charter School Board was established as part of the Indiana Department of Education’s recently enacted “Putting Students First” education reform agenda. Dr. Bennett has one appointment to the ICSB, as do the chairs of each legislative caucus. The Governor makes the remaining two appointments. All seven Board members are expected to be in place soon. In the meantime, daily operations of the board are in full swing under the direction of ICSB Executive Director Claire Fiddian-Green. ICSB members appointed to date are the following:

· Robert Koch II, Evansville, by Dr. Bennett

· Mark GiaQuinta, Fort Wayne, by House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer

· Larry DeMoss, Ellettsville, by Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson

· Jamie Garwood, Fort Wayne, by Senate President Pro Tempore David Long

“It’s important we move thoughtfully but with urgency to expand the number of high quality charter schools throughout Indiana.” said Koch. “I am excited to serve at the request of Dr. Bennett as Indiana takes another significant step towards improving our education system.”

Mr. Koch is the President and CEO of Koch Enterprises, Inc. and a board member of both the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Conexus Indiana. He is a registered professional engineer and an inventor with seven U.S. patents. His leadership roles in civic organizations include serving as chairman of the 1998 United Way Campaign of Southwestern Indiana, co-founder and director of the Community Alliance Foundation and the Vanderburgh Community Foundation for Southwestern Indiana. Mr. Koch has also served on the boards of Evansville's Museum of Arts and Science, Red Cross, Junior Achievement, WNIN Southwestern Indiana Public Broadcasting, and the YMCA.

The mission of the ICSB is to authorize and hold accountable a portfolio of high-performing charter schools that provide an education on par with Indiana’s best-performing district schools. Those interested in learning more about the Indiana Charter School Board, including information about the charter school application process, may call 317-232-9080.

Source: Indiana Department of Education