The staff at the Colorado League of Charter Schools is extremely proud that Jim Griffin will be receiving the National Hall of Fame award in Minneapolis next week. There’s no question it’s a well deserved honor.
Those who know Jim Griffin know that he’s a wealth of charter school information. I don’t think there is a charter school fact, figure or statistic that the man doesn’t have on the top of his head. As his Communications Director, I vow to get most of that information out of his brain and onto paper one of these days if it kills me.
Those who know Jim also know that he’s someone you can call for advice or assistance on almost anything charter school related. He is a true mentor to other charter support organizations around the country. And it’s no coincidence that 95 percent of Colorado charter schools choose to be members of the Colorado League of Charter Schools (yes that was a typical communications director plug – I can’t help myself). Jim never stops thinking and innovating new ways to help charter schools be successful, whether it’s through a policy change, a new service or an entirely new strategic plan.
But what baffles me though is how Jim Griffin never runs out of energy. Not only does he have four young children at home….he’s been at this charter school “game” for nearly 20 years — since he was a kid in law school. And he is still energized by it.
A long, long time ago (19 years ago or so), Jim Griffin was a 20-something in law school reading the Rocky Mountain News (back when Denver was a two newspaper town). And he came across an article about a new charter school law in Colorado. He was intrigued and wanted to know more. So he contacted the Colorado League of Charter Schools, which was then a small group of people meeting to try to figure out how to move said law forward. Jim offered to trade law services to this group if they would let him sit in on their meetings and learn more about the charter school law. His intent was to write a paper for law school.
Little did he know from then on his phone would never stop ringing. Jim jokes about these phone calls coming into his then bachelor pad and irritating his roommates. But when you think about it, the story is nothing less than remarkable. As they say, the rest is history…..Jim became the first and only Executive Director (President) of the Colorado League of Charter Schools and he remains at that helm today. It’s hard to imagine Jim in any other role. I would venture to say he is where he was destined to be and the charter world is better because of it.
In the four years that I’ve worked for Jim I have gained the utmost respect for him. While most know he’s an extremely hard worker. Not everyone sees his commitment to his family. Jim and his wife Holly have four young children. And I’ve never seen someone in Jim’s role professionally so devoted to family. The Colorado League of Charter Schools is a true family environment. It’s nice to know if any of us need to be home with our families that Jim respects and supports that.
In 2013, Colorado will celebrate 20 years since its charter school law was passed. And while he will hate that I’m saying this – we also celebrate 20 years since the charter school community gained one of its most valuable leaders – Jim Griffin.
And with that, I’ll stop while I’m ahead as most people who know Jim Griffin also know he isn’t known for being warm and fuzzy. And he definitely isn’t one who likes to celebrate his own accomplishments. Yes, considering all he has to offer the charter school community, the man is also humble. The fact that we have convinced him to walk across the stage next week and accept his Hall of Fame award is an accomplishment in itself.
So, when you see Jim Griffin at the national conference next week, be sure to give him a big hug and congratulate him on his award. He will just LOVE that!
Stacy Rivera, Director of Communications, Colorado League of Charter Schools
