In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Bill Hansen, President & CEO of Building Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting charter school facilities, financing, and services. Hansen, a veteran leader in education policy and philanthropy, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in expanding school choice, driving educational innovation, and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

Hansen, who previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush, discusses his extensive career in public and private sectors, including his leadership at Strada Education Network, where he helped create a $2 billion national social impact fund. He reflects on key education policies from No Child Left Behind to recent reforms aimed at closing achievement gaps and supporting underserved communities.

The conversation also delves into Hansen’s work at Building Hope, which has played a pivotal role in expanding charter school options across the country, including significant projects in Idaho and Florida. He and Luna explore how rural education, charter school facilities, and innovative learning models—such as Elevate Academy in Idaho—are shaping the future of student success.

As a state board member in Virginia, Hansen highlights the importance of accountability, school choice, and parental engagement in post-pandemic education recovery. Tune in to hear how his lifelong commitment to education reform is helping more students access the learning opportunities they deserve.

Key Moments

06:06 Impact of No Child Left Behind

08:13 Expanding School Choices Nationwide

12:39 "New School Accountability Framework Launched"

14:51 "Why I Prefer Virginia"

Connect with Bill Hansen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdhansen/

Website: https://buildinghope.org/