Former University of California President Richard Atkinson officially signed on to the state's charter school movement Wednesday.

Atkinson joined the California Charter Schools Association Board of Directors, his first publicly announced position since his October retirement, saying he has been impressed with the success of the public school charters.

"I think they've been remarkably effective," he said. "My hope is to be part of an effort to see an expansion in the number of charter schools in California."

Atkinson said he would like to see 2,000 charters operating in the state.

California, however, restricts the number of charter schools allowed each year. Currently, the cap is set at 750, with an allowed increase in that number of 100 annually.

Right now, there are 600 authorized California charter schools, although only 471 are actually in operation. The remaining schools are either in the process of opening, have voluntarily shut down or have had their charters revoked.

The charter schools have been criticized as a threat to traditional public schools because they pull students and state resources away.

But the Charter Schools Association CEO Caprice Young said charters are working and should be considered a partner in the state's effort to reform public schools.

"Our goal is to really work in partnership with the other leaders in public education," she said. "By having (Atkinson) as a member of our board, we hope to do that more effectively."