Sussex Academy Head of School Kyle Bentley addressed U.S. Senate education staffers May 12 to support charter school-focused funding bills currently moving through Congress.

“It was an honor to represent Sussex Academy at the federal level, share our story, and advocate for increased funding for charter schools across the country,” Bentley said. “Our strategic plan to explore potential growth in the coming years aligns nicely with the opportunities ahead for both Sussex Academy and many charter schools in Delaware.”

The Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act would provide for greater flexibility in federal programs and allow charters to add learning pathways in high-demand fields such as nursing or robotics to align with workforce needs.

The Equitable Access to School Act would give charter schools access to increased federal funding for facility expansion projects, as charters in general receive about 30% less funding per student than traditional schools.

“If signed into law, these acts would help us expand pathways for students interested in fields beyond our existing Humanities and STEM options,” Bentey said. “Our students are seeking more opportunities, and the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of our community is what being part of a charter school is all about.”

Bentley was invited to address Senate staffers during National Charter Schools Week by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; he was named to the Delaware Charter Schools Network board this spring.