What happens when your mission requires more staff, but your budget says less spending? In this insightful episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Richard Royal, Executive Director of Denver Language School (DLS) — a top-performing K–8 immersion charter in Colorado — to explore how to build a sustainable staffing and budgeting model from first principles. Richard shares how DLS achieves exceptional outcomes in both Mandarin and Spanish immersion programs while facing lower per-pupil funding than district peers. He walks us through his strategic shift in staff compensation, the challenges of realigning pay scales, and the importance of leading with transparency and mission alignment. From tough board conversations to courageous leadership decisions, this episode is a masterclass in strategic budgeting for charter school executives — balancing people, purpose, and performance. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
Strong authorizer relationships are the foundation of long-term charter school success — but they can also be one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Kathryn Connell-Espinosa, Executive Director of the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, to discuss what effective collaboration between schools and authorizers really looks like. Kathryn shares more than a decade of insight from overseeing 237 charter schools across New York, offering a rare glimpse into what makes great authorizer-school partnerships thrive. She explains how open communication, strong governance, and early transparency can help schools avoid pitfalls — and why authorizers are most successful when the schools they serve succeed. Whether you’re a school leader, board chair, or new founder, this episode will help you build stronger, more productive relationships with your authorizer — and understand the key role they play in your school’s accountability, growth, and long-term success. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
On Episode #59 of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Missy Couch, Founder & CEO of Checkbox Pro LLC, to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in charter school leadership: time. Missy shares how Checkbox Pro helps school leaders reclaim their schedules, avoid burnout, and refocus on the work that truly moves their schools forward. From practical tips on delegation and boundaries to maximizing technology without letting it take over your life, this episode is packed with strategies to help executives lead effectively and sustainably. Whether you're a founding school leader juggling it all or part of a growing network managing multiple campuses, this episode will show you what’s possible when you gain back control of your time—and your sanity. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
Enrollment isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about building a culture where every staff member understands their role in sustaining and growing a school community. In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Yoni Samuel-Siegel, Chief Operating Officer at Prospect Schools in Brooklyn, NY. With 25 years in education, Yoni shares how Prospect shifted from relying on word-of-mouth enrollment to building a structured, data-informed culture of recruitment and retention. From creating seamless family experiences to introducing CRMs like HubSpot, Yoni unpacks how Prospect Schools aligned operations, leadership, and community to achieve double-digit enrollment growth. If you’re a charter school executive wondering how to transform your enrollment strategy into a network-wide movement, this episode is for you. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President of BuyQ, sits down with SarahGennie Colazio, Director of Finance & HR at Windsor Charter Academy. What happens when a charter school dares to rethink one of its biggest expenses—employee health insurance? For Windsor Charter Academy, the answer was staggering: $1.4 million in savings over six years. SarahGennie shares how her school shifted from a traditional fully insured model to a self-funded captive insurance plan, unlocking cost savings while enhancing employee benefits. From IVF coverage and hearing aids to mental health support and retention bonuses, Windsor turned financial savings into a stronger culture of care. This episode is a case study in financial strategy, employee retention, and innovation—perfect for school leaders looking to stretch every dollar while supporting their teams. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
Is your charter school board stuck in operational weeds instead of leading with vision? In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli speaks with Carrie Irvin of Bellwether and John Troy of WorkTogether, two national experts in board development and executive leadership. Together, they explore how charter school executives can revitalize underperforming boards, build stronger governance cultures, and create true strategic partnerships between leadership and the board. You’ll learn how to shift your board’s focus from micromanagement to mission-driven leadership, why curiosity and trust are essential for board engagement, and how to address dysfunction using tools like board retreats, coaching, and honest conversations. If you're navigating a stagnant board, facing board turnover, or stepping into a new leadership role, this episode offers clear takeaways and expert guidance to help you get your board unstuck—and unlock your school’s full potential. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
In Episode 55 of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Dr. Richard Seigler-Carter, Managing Director of the LeveragED Foundation, to unpack a powerful truth: schools don’t thrive on curriculum alone—they thrive on people. Dr. Seigler-Carter shares his journey from dance teacher to principal to leading 14 high-performing schools, and now shaping leadership development nationwide. Together, they tackle one of the most overlooked elements of school success—people and performance management—and why investing in leaders is the ultimate investment in students. This conversation explores how charter school executives can create a culture of feedback, differentiate leadership for diverse teams, and implement business-inspired management systems that still honor the relational nature of education. If you’re a school leader wondering how to better develop your people while managing systems and performance without losing your soul—or your staff—this episode is your roadmap. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
In Episode 54 of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Susan Jenkins and Dr. Earl Metzler of Hertz Furniture to discuss how charter schools can go beyond desks and chairs and operationalize truly innovative FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) upgrades. They share practical, real-world strategies for reimagining learning spaces—from flexible seating to collaborative layouts—and emphasize that the physical classroom should support how you teach, not just what you teach. Whether you're working with a new build, a single pilot classroom, or a limited budget, you'll walk away from this episode with actionable insights to align your academic vision with a flexible, future-ready learning environment. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast
When it comes to teacher retention, onboarding isn’t just the first step—it’s the foundation. In this episode, Keith Vigraham, VP of HR at Vertex Education, shares his two decades of experience working with charter schools across the country to break down what a successful onboarding process really looks like. From the moment a teacher signs an offer letter to their first chaotic day in the classroom, Keith offers smart, tactical advice to ensure your staff not only stays—but thrives. He and host Daniel Casselli dive deep into why onboarding is your school's first cultural impression, the difference between pre-service and mid-year onboarding, and how to creatively engage staff through every phase. Whether you're a seasoned operator or rethinking your process for the upcoming school year, this episode offers actionable takeaways you can implement now. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
What if staffing decisions weren’t just about qualifications—but also about personalities, team dynamics, and leadership potential? In this energizing episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Racheal Sewards, Founder and Executive Director of Solare Collegiate Charter School. Racheal shares how her school is challenging traditional staffing models by redistributing leadership roles to classroom teachers and aligning teams based on interpersonal chemistry—not just credentials. With a bold blend of restorative justice, teacher stipends, and grade-level leadership teams, Racheal is redefining what it means to lead in a post-COVID charter school world. Whether you're scaling your school, dealing with high turnover, or reimagining your org chart, this episode is packed with real strategies and innovative thinking you can borrow (and steal!). Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
Great operations leaders don’t just get things done—they build teams that trust each other, communicate clearly, and move fast together. In this episode, Jill Dunchick—veteran educator, school leader, and leadership coach—joins Daniel Casselli to deliver one of the most practical, tactical conversations yet. Jill shares how charter school ops leaders can create aligned, high-functioning teams by investing in trust and organizing their time wisely. From building psychological safety using Brene Brown’s BRAVING framework to running truly intentional meetings, this episode gives school executives a playbook for developing stronger ops teams—starting now. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
What does it really take to build a charter school from scratch—and do it well? In this milestone 50th episode, we sit down with Dermoth Mattison, founder of South Shore Charter School, to explore how intentionality in the early days can lay the groundwork for a thriving school culture and academic excellence. From rigorous SUNY authorizer expectations to community-driven design, Dermoth walks us through the highs and hurdles of opening a school that serves both heart and head. Discover how systems and culture are inseparable, how South Shore hit a 99% student success rate in its first year, and why your Plan B (and C) might be the key to unlocking long-term success. If you're a school leader, executive, or founder planning your next move—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
What do growing charter schools have in common? In this special compilation episode of The Charter School Insider, we’re bringing together the sharpest insights from enrollment-focused conversations with top charter leaders. Hear from: Bill Knous on the power of community engagementVanessa Segovia Barry on parent perception and enrollment blind spotsMaria Blencowe on scaling enrollment with limited marketing resourcesDallan Wortham on leveraging SEO, paid search, and platform tools You’ll walk away with practical answers to questions like: What are schools getting wrong about enrollment? How can teams with small budgets still make an impact? What does “data-driven” actually look like in school marketing? Whether you're launching a new campaign or refining an existing strategy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to drive sustainable enrollment growth. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
In this special live episode, recorded at the Colorado League of Charter Schools Conference 2025, host Daniel Casselli sits down with powerhouse education leader Jen Davis Wickens. As the founder of Impact Public Schools and co-founder of Seminar—a national community platform for charter leaders—Jen shares the top leadership insights, trends, and challenges emerging from Seminar’s first year. With over 1,500 school leaders across the country now connected through Seminar, Jen brings a national perspective on the evolving needs of charter leadership today. From succession gaps and post-COVID recovery to the urgent demand for tactical skills in enrollment, governance, and fundraising, this episode offers a timely pulse-check on the movement. Jen’s reflections on what makes today’s leaders uniquely positioned to shape the next era of charter education will inspire and inform anyone working to elevate their school community. Want to learn more, visit: www.buyq.org Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
Understanding bond ratings can be a game-changer for charter school leaders navigating facility financing. In this episode, Daniel Casselli sits down with Blake Cullimore, a senior analyst at Moody’s Public Rating Finance Group, to demystify the world of bond ratings and their impact on charter schools. Blake shares insights into the rating process, key financial and qualitative factors that shape ratings, and how schools can prepare for future facility financing. Whether you're considering a bond rating or just want to deepen your financial acumen, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
What happens when a charter school leader takes a hard look at the data—and doesn’t look away? In this episode, The Charter School Insider Podcast host Daniel Casselli welcomes James Cryan, founder of Willow Education and former CEO of Rocky Mountain Prep, for a deeply reflective conversation on the power (and pitfalls) of data-driven leadership. From jaw-dropping statistics about post-secondary outcomes to the tough calls that come with mission-driven leadership, James opens up about what it takes to move beyond surface-level metrics and drive meaningful, lasting change for students. You’ll hear why 100% college acceptance may not be the win you think it is, how to connect KPIs with real student stories, and why having “bathroom goals” might just revolutionize your school culture. If you’re a charter school executive grappling with how to make data work for you (instead of overwhelming you), this episode is your playbook. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
In this episode of The Charter School Insider, we’re joined by Reyes Claudio, the dynamic Chief Operations and Community Relations Officer at Brilla Public Schools. Reyes takes us deep into what it really means to serve a community — not just in theory, but in day-to-day practice. She shares Brilla’s powerful philosophy that community engagement is not a tactic but a foundational value — and how that authenticity naturally drives enrollment. From transforming main offices into neighborhood resource hubs to throwing epic Bronx-style block parties, Brilla is rewriting the rules of school marketing through genuine connection. If you’re looking for strategies that don’t just boost numbers but build legacy, this is an episode you can’t miss. Learn more: https://buyq.org/podcast Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
Financials aren’t just numbers—they tell a story. In this episode, Neil Shah, a seasoned CFO for nonprofits, joins Daniel Casselli to break down the power of financial storytelling and why it’s essential for charter school leaders. From understanding financial data to using it to make strategic decisions, Neil shares practical insights on how to translate financial reports into compelling narratives that drive action. Whether you’re navigating budgeting, forecasting, or fundraising, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you become a better financial storyteller. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
Chronic absenteeism has surged in schools post-COVID, creating significant challenges for student success. In this episode, The Charter School Insider Podcast host Daniel Casselli sits down with Alastair Dawe, COO at University Preparatory Schools, to discuss how his team tackled attendance issues head-on. From crafting a school-wide culture of attendance to implementing data-driven incentives and intervention strategies, Al shares the journey that moved University Prep’s attendance rates back toward pre-pandemic levels. Tune in for actionable insights on driving student engagement and attendance in your school community. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org
Charter school boards are responsible for overseeing multimillion-dollar organizations, yet most only meet for 20 hours a year. So how do the best boards ensure effective governance? The answer: committees. In this episode, The Charter School Insider Podcast welcomes Mike Mizzoni, Chief Governance Officer at BoardOnTrack, to break down the key role committees play in school leadership. Mike shares practical strategies to move beyond “paper committees” and establish high-functioning teams that drive real impact. From finance and governance to CEO support, we explore the committees every charter school needs—and how to make them work. To learn more visit: https://buyq.org/podcast Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org