    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9742 of May 4, 2018

    National Charter Schools Week, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    The first public charter school opened its doors in Saint Paul,
    Minnesota, 26 years ago. Wanting to offer families more high-quality
    education options, it was founded to promote accountability and
    innovation, and to advance academic achievement. Now, 44 States, the
    District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have passed laws authorizing the
    creation of charter schools, which are responsible for educating
    millions of students nationwide. During National Charter Schools Week,
    we celebrate the more than 7,000 charter schools across our country,
    their teachers and administrators, and the students they serve.
    My Administration has prioritized support for charter schools so that
    more students have access to this valuable academic option. In my fiscal
    year 2019 budget request, I called on the Congress to increase funding
    for the Federal Charter Schools Program to $500 million. This program
    strengthens State and local efforts to create and expand charter schools
    to help meet the growing demand for this educational option and increase
    charter schools' access to high-quality facilities.
    Each child is blessed with unique talents and learns in different ways.
    Charter schools enhance educational options for families and empower
    teachers to explore innovative programs, alternative curricula, and
    creative approaches to education to ensure that they meet their
    students' individual needs. Charter schools provide educators the
    flexibility to equip students with knowledge and skills that give them
    the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and pursue successful
    careers.
    This week, we acknowledge the critical role charter schools play in
    providing students with rigorous education that holds them to high
    standards. A great education is the foundation for a better future for
    students facing the demands and challenges of the 21st century. As a
    Nation, we should continue to support and address their dreams in their
    innovative efforts to help students reach their full potential.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 6 through May 12,
    2018, as National Charter Schools Week. I commend our Nation's
    successful public charter schools, teachers, and adminis

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    trators, and I call on States and communities to help students and
    empower parents and families by supporting high-quality charter schools
    as an important school choice option.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May,
    in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
    DONALD J. TRUMP