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Non-profit

Network for Public Education (NPE)

Website:

networkforpubliceducation.org/
Location:

New York, NY
Tax ID:

35-2532243
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(3)

Budget (2019):

Revenue: $263,002
Expenses: $154,787
Assets: $691,923
Type:

Education Activist Organization
Formation:

2013
Executive Director:

Carol Corbett Burris
President:

Diane Ravitch

Contact InfluenceWatch with suggested edits or tips for additional profiles.

Network for Public Education (NPE) is an activist group that works to preserve, promote, and improve public education in the United States. 1 The organization opposes charter schools 2 and supports the critical race theory-influenced concept of “antiracist education.” 3

NPE has published reports that attack parent activists as “merchants of deception” 4 and claim charter schools profited from the COVID-19 pandemic. 5 Its reports have also claimed that parental opposition to teaching critical race theory; COVID-19-related lockdowns, masking, and vaccine requirements; and other left-of-center curriculum content were driven by right wing groups drawing on “white backlash politics and resentment.” 6

NPE’s blog has claimed there is a Biblical basis for critical race theory, 7 called Thomas Jefferson a “rapist and enslaver,” 8 and said that minority children suffer when the critical race theory-influenced concept of anti-racism is not prioritized by white teachers. 9

History and Leadership

Network for Public Education (NPE) was founded in 2013 by Diane Ravitch and Anthony Cody. 10 It received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2015. 11

Diane Ravitch is the president of NPE. 12 Despite being an advocate for public education, Ravitch sent her own children to private school in New York City. 13 She has called Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) “DeFascist” for opposing drag queen story hour 14 and has made numerous Federal Election Commission-reportable campaign contributions to Democrats and Democratic-aligned committees in recent election cycles. 15

Carol Corbett Burris is the executive director of NPE. 16 Burris has claimed that charter schools in North Carolina have been used to resist integration of public schools and referred to certain charter schools as “white-flight academies.” 17 18

Activities and Funding

Network for Public Education (NPE) is an activist group that claims to work to preserve, promote, and improve the public education ecosystem in the United States by connecting students, parents, teachers, and citizens who are passionate about public education. 19

NPE hosts the Another Day Another Charter Scandal webpage, which highlights negative news stories about charter schools. 20 The organization opposes high stakes testing for students, the closure of public schools, and the for-profit management of schools. 21

NPE supports the critical race theory-influenced concept of “antiracist education” 22 and the concept of equitable funding of schools, under which more resources go to students that are considered to have the greatest needs. 23 The organization also supports the far-left Black Lives Matter movement and the week-long protest movement Black Lives Matter at School, 24 which is supported by the National Education Association teachers union and promotes an “uprising for educational justice.” 25

The organization opposed the enforcement of Trump administration immigration policies, 26 Trump administration Department of Education policy priorities, 27 the nomination and confirmation of Trump administration Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, 28 29 and the creation of a national school choice program. 30

NPE also hosts national conferences, 31 32 publishes a blog, 33 and operates a podcast to support its objectives. 34 NPE’s blog has claimed there is a Biblical basis for critical race theory, 35 called Thomas Jefferson a “rapist and enslaver,” 36 and said that minority children suffer when the critical race theory-influenced concept of anti-racism is not made a priority by white teachers. 37

Publications

Network for Public Education has published reports that attack parent groups as “merchants of deception” 38 and claim charter schools profited from the COVID-19 pandemic. 39 NPE’s report on parents claimed that parental involvement opposing teaching critical race theory; opposing COVID-19-related lockdowns, masking, and vaccine requirements; and seeking greater oversight of school book content were just right-wing parent groups that draw on “white backlash politics and resentment.“ 40

NPE also publishes a toolkit addressing the concept of school privatization. The toolkit alleges that charter schools are not public schools, are not innovative, are less accountable than public schools, cherry pick their students, get worse academic results than public schools, are poorer online options from families, and profit from families. 41 The toolkit also claims that vouchers do not help kids in struggling schools, that charter schools hurt public schools and promote racial segregation, do not save taxpayers money, and isolate Black and “Latinx” (Latino/Hispanic) students. 42

NPE is affiliated with the Network for Public Education Action, which lobbies and endorses candidates in support of public schools. 43 44 NPE Action opposes funding for the federal Charter Schools Program 45 and has endorsed many Democratic Party-affiliated candidates running for office across the United States. 46

Members

Network for Public Education operates a local, state, and national grassroots education network that is active in 40 states. 47 48 Some of its members include Fairplay, Defending the Early Years, First Focus Campaign for Children, In the Public Interest, Journey for Justice, National Center for Fair and Open Testing, Parents Across America, Parent Coalition for Student Privacy, Parents for Public Schools, Rethinking Schools, Save Our Schools, Schott Foundation for Public Education, Wear Red for Ed, Uniting for Children and Youth, National Educators United, Saphron Initiative, Defense of Democracy, Our Schools USA, and Education Truth Project. 49

Funding

Network for Public Education (NPE) receives funding from individual donations and grants. 50 In 2020, NPE reported revenue of $282,573 and expenses of $168,283. In 2019, NPE reported revenue of $263,002 and expenses of $154,787. 51

NPE’s financial supporters include the Primavera Foundation, Schott Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Tides Foundation, and others. 52 In 2018, NPE received $7,000 from the Tides Foundation. 53 NPE received $30,000 from the Schott Foundation for Public Education in 2017 54 and $25,000 from the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation in 2016. 55

References

  1. “About the Network for Public Education.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/about-npe/.
  2. “Charter Scandals.” The Network for Public education. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-scandals/.
  3. “Tweet.” Network for Public Education Twitter. Posted December 6, 20202. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://twitter.com/Network4pubEd/status/1335577734001528834.
  4. Cunningham, Maurice T. “Merchants of Deception: Parent Props and Their Funders.” Network for Public Education. February 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Merchants-of-Deception.pdf.
  5.  “Chartered for Profit II: Pandemic Profiteering.” Network for Public Education. February 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/chartered-for-profit-ii-pandemic-profiteering/.
  6.  Cunningham, Maurice T. “Merchants of Deception: Parent Props and Their Funders.” Network for Public Education. February 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Merchants-of-Deception.pdf.
  7. “Robert Montgomery: Biblical basis for critical race theory is justice, fair dealings between groups.” Network for Public Education. November 12, 2022. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/blog-content/robert-montgomery-biblical-basis-for-critical-race-theory-is-justice-fair-dealings-between-groups/.
  8. “Dan Weeks: Will we teach our children facts or fear?” Network for Public Education. December 21, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/blog-content/dan-weeks-will-we-teach-our-children-facts-or-fear/.
  9. “Rann Miller: Teaching Critical Race Theory Is About Liberating All of Us.” Network for Public Education. November 12, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/blog-content/rann-miller-teaching-critical-race-theory-is-about-liberating-all-of-us/.
  10. “About the Network for Public Education.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/about-npe/.
  11. “Letter of Determination.” U.S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service. December 31, 2015. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/dl/FinalLetter_35-2532243_NETWORKFORPUBLICEDUCATIONFUNDINC_10092015_02.tif.
  12. “Board of Directors and Staff.” The Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/board-of-directors/.
  13. “Board of Directors and Staff.” The Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/board-of-directors/.
  14. Ravitch, Diane. “DeFascist Wr on Drag Queens Frightens the Performing Arts in Florida.” Diane Ravitch blog. April 13, 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://dianeravitch.net/2023/04/13/defascist-war-on-drag-queens-frightens-the-performing-arts-in-florida/.
  15. “Individual Contributions.” Search Results for Diane Ravitch. Accessed April 4, 2023.
  16. “Board of Directors and Staff.” The Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/board-of-directors/.
  17. Burris, Carol. “Is the Charter Schools Program financing white-flight academies.” Washington Post. Perspective by Valerie Strauss. June 7, 2021. Accessed via Web Archive April 14, 2023. https://archive.ph/BQF9y.
  18. “Is the Charter Schools Program financing white-flight academies?” Network for Public Education. June 8, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/is-the-charter-schools-program-financing-white-flight-academies-2/.
  19. “About the Network for Public Education.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/about-npe/.
  20. “Charter Scandals.” The Network for Public education. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-scandals/.
  21. “Mission.” The Network for Public Education.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/mission/.
  22. “Tweet.” Network for Public Education Twitter. Posted December 6, 20202. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://twitter.com/Network4pubEd/status/1335577734001528834.
  23. “Mission.” The Network for Public Education.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/mission/.
  24.  “Tweet.” Network for Public Education Twitter. Posted January 21, 2020. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://twitter.com/Network4pubEd/status/1219652962672431106.
  25. “Black Lives Matter at School: An Uprising for Educational Justice.” Eventbrite. December 2, 2020. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-lives-matter-at-school-an-uprising-for-educational-justice-tickets-127893321367.
  26. [1] “Join Teachers of the Year in Speaking Out Against the Detention of Children.” Network for Public Education. January 2, 2019. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/join-the-teachers-of-the-year-in-speaking-out-against-the-detention-of-children/.
  27. “Defend Your Public School from the Trump/DeVos Budget Debacle.” May 19, 2017. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/9389/.
  28. “Tell Senators: Say “no” to DeVos and “yes” to students.” Network for Public Education. January 18, 2017. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/tell-senators-put-kids-first-vote-no-devos/.
  29. “DeVos confirmed. NPE will fight her agenda.” Network for Public Education. February 7, 2017. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/devos-confirmed-npe-will-fight-agenda/.
  30.  [1] “TAKE ACTION! Stop Betsy DeVos’s National Voucher Program Before Congress Approves It.” Network for Public Education. April 22, 2018. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/stop-betsy-devos-national-voucher-program-congress-approves/.
  31. [1] “2023 Conference.” Network for Public Education. January 18, 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/2023-conference/.
  32. “2018 National Conference.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/2018-national-conference/.
  33. “Blog Post of the Day.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/best-posts/.
  34. “Podcasts.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/topics/podcasts/.
  35. “Robert Montgomery: Biblical basis for critical race theory is justice, fair dealings between groups.” Network for Public Education. November 12, 2022. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/blog-content/robert-montgomery-biblical-basis-for-critical-race-theory-is-justice-fair-dealings-between-groups/.
  36. “Dan Weeks: Will we teach our children facts or fear?” Network for Public Education. December 21, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/blog-content/dan-weeks-will-we-teach-our-children-facts-or-fear/.
  37. “Rann Miller: Teaching Critical Race Theory Is About Liberating All of Us.” Network for Public Education. November 12, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/blog-content/rann-miller-teaching-critical-race-theory-is-about-liberating-all-of-us/.
  38. Cunningham, Maurice T. “Merchants of Deception: Parent Props and Their Funders.” Network for Public Education. February 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Merchants-of-Deception.pdf.
  39. “Chartered for Profit II: Pandemic Profiteering.” Network for Public Education. February 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/chartered-for-profit-ii-pandemic-profiteering/.
  40. Cunningham, Maurice T. “Merchants of Deception: Parent Props and Their Funders.” Network for Public Education. February 2023. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Merchants-of-Deception.pdf.
  41. “Toolkit: School Privatization Explained.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/privatization-toolkit/.
  42. “Toolkit: School Privatization Explained.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/privatization-toolkit/.
  43. “DeVos confirmed. NPE will fight her agenda.” Network for Public Education. February 7, 2017. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/devos-confirmed-npe-will-fight-agenda/.
  44. “Network for Public Education Action.” Action Network. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://actionnetwork.org/groups/network-for-public-education.
  45. “Act Now: Tell Congress to Stop Funding the Charter Schools Program.” Network for Public Education Action.
  46. “NPE Action Endorsements.” Network for Public Education Action. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://npeaction.org/topics/npe-action-endorsements/.
  47. “Join NPE’s Grassroots Education Network.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-npes-grassroots-education-network/.
  48. “Grassroots Education Network.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/grassroots-education-network/.
  49. “Grassroots Education Network.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/grassroots-education-network/.
  50. “Donate to NPE.” Network for Public Education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/about-npe/donate/.
  51. “Network for Public Education Inc.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2020. Part I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/352532243/202240429349301214/full.
  52. “Our Supporters.” Network for Public education. Accessed April 14, 2023. https://networkforpubliceducation.org/our-supporters/.
  53. “Tides Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2018. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/510198509/201913189349314251/IRS990ScheduleI.
  54. “The Schott Foundation for Public Education.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2017. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/43457065/201911369349300446/full.
  55. Chicago Teachers Union Foundation Inc.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2016. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237076885/201811509349300031/full.
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Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: December - November
  • Tax Exemption Received: December 1, 2015

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2019 Dec Form 990 $263,002 $154,787 $691,923 $5,000 N $262,200 $356 $446 $64,240 PDF
    2018 Dec Form 990 $255,375 $160,422 $583,508 $4,800 N $254,951 $264 $160 $37,668 PDF
    2017 Dec Form 990 $286,621 $229,653 $488,255 $4,500 N $286,050 $458 $113 $46,622 PDF
    2016 Dec Form 990 $555,540 $138,912 $440,060 $13,273 N $526,712 $28,786 $42 $36,412 PDF

    Network for Public Education (NPE)

    P.O. Box 227
    New York, NY