EMU, Our Authorizer

The Charter Schools Office at Eastern Michigan University was established in 1995. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph F. Pollack this office oversees eight public school academies located in the Michigan counties of Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw and Genesee.

These schools offer a variety of innovative approaches to educating students. EMU’s Charter Schools Office provides the academies with the guidance and technical support needed to maintain the high standards to which each school aspires. With the support of the EMU College of Education, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA), among others, the Charter Schools Office is leading the way toward enhancing public education in Michigan.

Dr. Joseph Pollack

Dr. Joseph Pollack is the Director of the Charter Schools Office. Dr. Pollack is an educator who has considerable experience as a Public School Superintendent.

Dr. Pollack, as Director, is in charge of recommending Charters and Charter Renewals to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. The Charter School Office provides state oversight services of all the EMU charters.

Dr. Malverne Winborne

Dr. Malverne Winborne is the Assistant Director of the Charter Schools Office. Dr. Winborne has had work experience in both the public and private sector. He brings a wide range of skills to the Charter Schools Office.

Dr. Winborne provides EMU charter schools with updated information about state requirements and curriculum developments and advice as needed.

The Charter Schools Office provides support to the Ann Arbor Learning Community and helps us to provide our students with an outstanding educational program.


Additional staff members:
> Michael Collett, Senior Accountant and Financial Officer
> Larry Barkoff, Legal Counsel
> Patricia Walker, Administrative Secretary

For more information, please visit the EMU Charter Schools Office website.