INDIANAPOLIS — David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International and a nationally recognized education leader, urges communities to look beyond federal actions and invest in local, coordinated efforts to drive lasting education change. His latest op-ed, “There’s a Formula for Fixing America’s Schools: Think Local,” was published today by USA Today.
In the wake of President Trump’s recent executive order to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education, Harris argues that true education reform does not begin in Washington, D.C.—it starts in local communities. Drawing from his firsthand experience leading transformational education initiatives in Indianapolis, Harris outlines how decades of strategic local leadership, innovative policy implementation, and sustained community investment led to dramatic improvements in student outcomes in the city’s center.
“Indianapolis’ transformation shows that change isn’t just possible, it’s replicable,” Harris writes. He highlights key initiatives, including the establishment of the nation’s first mayor-sponsored charter school authorizer and the creation of Innovation Network Schools, which have helped Indianapolis charter students gain months of additional learning compared to their district peers.
Harris calls on local leaders nationwide to seize this moment of federal uncertainty to create their own plans for education reform, emphasizing that the most durable change is built from the ground up.

The full op-ed is available at USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/05/02/trump-education-department-charter-schools/83269940007/

About Christel House International
For over 27 years, Christel House has been dedicated to empowering children from under-resourced communities to realize their potential and transform their futures. Our holistic model supports each of our students for 18+ years. This in-depth, whole-child approach integrates rigorous academic learning with nutrition and healthcare, life skills, social support, and college and career guidance. It’s a deep commitment that helps students demonstrate that they have limitless potential.
Since Christel House’s founding, over 21,000 students have been served at nine schools around the world in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. More than a school, Christel House was established in 1998 by Founder Christel DeHaan. 97% of graduates are employed or pursuing post-secondary education after graduation. Overall, 70% of graduates secure high-quality early career jobs. Christel House’s overhead and fundraising costs are funded annually through charitable grants from Endless Success Foundation, a private foundation established by our Founder. This means that 100% of donations will be used to directly support programs and services for Christel House students.

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