In this month’s Charter School Investor podcast “What Charter School Leadership Looks Like”, we hear how Dr. Alan Seay of Leadership4School went from being a middle school girls basketball coach in West Texas to the Superintendent that the Texas Department of Education calls in when a Texas CMO struggles. The son of a pastor, Alan learned early on how to treat people, while also keeping a careful eye on cash flow. Leadership4School: https://ee-schools.org/ Dr. Alan Seay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alan-seay-l4s SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this episode of the Charter School Investor podcast, "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like", Bob Lysek of Executive Education Academy Charter School discusses his journey from police officer in Florida to co-founder and CEO of a 1300-student K to 12 charter school in Allentown, PA, Whether dying his hair orange in an act of solidarity with the students or heading the Pennsylvania Alliance of Public Charter Schools for six years, Bob know how to build a culture of collaboration. Perhaps that explains his success in negotiating a 10-year, $20 million partnership with Lehigh Valley Hospital Health Network, which brings additional staff, college scholarships and laboratories into his school. Executive Education Academy: https://ee-schools.org/ Executive Education Academy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveEducationSchools/ Bob Lysek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lysek-50607062 SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this month's Charter School Investor podcast, "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like'', Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy ("AMFRA") Superintendent Jason Smedley confides, "You never take the first 'No'!" - whether that means persevering to be admitted to Howard University from rural Arkansas or becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Not to mention the "no's" encountered in leading AMFRA's introductory class to 2 years' growth in both reading and math during their first year. Interviewed by School Improvement Partnership President Alan Wohstetter, Lt. Col. Smedley highlights how leadership lessons from two decades in the Marines did not fully prepare him to lead a charter school start-up focused on providing students with a path to college or career. Support from his terrific principal, School Improvement Partnership and the Walton Foundation certainly helped. SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy (AMFRA) Website: https://www.amfra9-12.org/ Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy (AMFRA) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasMilitaryandFirstRespondersAcademy Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ LtCol. Jason Smedley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-christopher-smedley-a841b315/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this month's podcast "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like," School Improvement Partnership President Alan Wohlstetter hosts a discussion with Jo McKenzie, Vice President of The McKenzie Foundation, and John McKenzie, President of The McKenzie Foundation. In this episode, John and Jo delve into the critical role of mentorship in shaping the futures of children and emphasize the importance of equipping young minds with essential skills, especially for those trapped in the cycle of poverty. They share their own personal stories of growth, success, failure and mentorship. The McKenzies also discuss the impactful work being done by The McKenzie Workforce Center alongside the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, as well as their upcoming project, Pathways College and Career Academy, which aims to break down barriers and create career opportunities and a better life for underprivileged children. The McKenzies discuss how and why their foundation focuses specifically on development of career interests, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, social skills, physical and emotional wellbeing, civics and more. This episode is appropriate for young adults and really anyone wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people. Make sure to stick around until the end for some key insights for students looking to become successful leaders! SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net McKenzie Workforce Development Center: https://bgcdcbuilds.org/about/ Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ John McKenzie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mckenzie-6437272a/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this month's podcast "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like," School Improvement Partnership President Alan Wohlstetter hosts a discussion with Jed Hartings PhD, Board President of Cincinnati Classical Academy (CCA) and Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Cincinnati, and Rich Harmon, Executive Managing Director and Head of Education Banking at Herbert J. Sims. The episode focuses on the significance of classical education as an important public education alternative for today's students and their families. Jed addresses his views on leadership, and how first century lessons can provide 21st century skills. Rich shares his perspective from years on the front line of charter school leadership and financing, and how important school choice can be to address the diverse needs of students across the country. The discussion goes into detail on CCA's philosophy of education and addresses the important role of the child's family in the education process. CCA has been so successful in overcoming local political resistance that it is full, has a 500-student waiting list and is now adding a grade per year until they reach K-12. What's more, in their first year, the school was academically ranked #1 of all Cincinnati schools and #4 in all of Ohio. The episode continually rings with a common theme: that duty, service, moral character and civic virtue can be taught through a classical liberal arts education. Thank you to our sponsor, HJ Sims Education Finance https://hjsims.com/investment-banking/education-finance/ Cincinnati Classical Academy: https://www.cincyclassical.org/ SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net Rich Harmon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-harmon-69622877/ Jed Hartings PhD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jed-hartings-83397166/ Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this month's podcast "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like", School Improvement Partnership Director of Reporting Maria Mills interviews Rhonda Dillingham, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools. Rhonda sees charters as "laboratories of innovation". When Asheboro, NC was dubbed the 'fastest dying city in America', the Asheboro High School Zoo School was brought together to counter that image, and Rhonda was the first English teacher there. With this innovative teaching experience, she craved continued autonomy and creativity as an educator. To continue supporting Randolph County, she co-founded Uwharrie Charter Academy in the same area to make sure kids who graduated stayed around - with flex days for exploring the community and more. Uwharrie is now the 5th largest charter in NC. Rhonda next moved to the state level, where she leads an association of over 210 charter schools. Recently, NC, a single authorizer state, established a Charter School Review Board, and Rhonda touches on how NC can be a national model for how charter schools are authorized and managed. Sponsor: HJ Sims Education Finance Email Maria for a 10% Discount on Reporting: maria@schoolimprovementpartnership.net Rhonda Dillingham's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-dillingham-61366726/ NC Public Charter Association: https://www.ncpubliccharters.org/ School Improvement Partnership Website: https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/ Maria Mills LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-mills-5b206113b/
In this month's podcast "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like," School Improvement Partnership President Alan Wohlstetter interviews Dr. Celeta Watson, superintendent of RISE Preparatory Charter Schools. When the county authorizer denied RISE's charter renewal, Dr. Watson had just three months to find an alternative authorizer. The scramble paid off: The state authorized her three year renewal. She then faced the task of re-opening the school shortly thereafter. Find out how RISE rose from the ashes (pun intended) and what the leadership team did to turn it around. Sponsor: HJ Sims Education Finance SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net Dr. Watson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeta-watson-931784234/ RISE Academy: https://theriseschools.org/ Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this month's podcast "What Charter School Leadership Looks Like", School Improvement Partnership President Alan Wohlstetter interviews Dr. Jacqueline Elliot of Partnerships to Uplift Communities National. She is the co-founder and leader of a 13-school charter management organization in Los Angeles and the author of Passionate Warrior: My Charter School Journey. Find out how Dr. Elliot went from having her first campus in a public park shaded by trees to a CMO that provided over a million meals for her community during COVID. Maybe that is why over 100 alumni are part of her education team! Sponsor: HJ Sims Education Finance SIP Website: www.schoolimprovementpartnership.net Purchase Dr. Elliott's Book, Passionate Warrior: My Charter School Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Passionate-Warrior-Charter-School-Journey/dp/1543929796 Dr. Elliot's Profile: https://www.pucnational.org/apps/pages/leadership-team#:~:text=Jacqueline%20Elliot&text=Dr.,a%20teacher%20in%20Pacoima%2C%20California Alan Wohlstetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-wohlstetter-279a00aa/ SIP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-improvement-partnership/
In this episode of the Charter School Investor Podcast, we are joined by Tiny McLaughlin. Since 2001, Tiny has served the charter school community an executive, investment banker and board director. Tiny’s career includes diverse roles with private, pubic, government and non-for-profit organizations, with more than $500 million private credit investments & tax-exempt public offerings for K-12 Charter and private schools. Hear his inspiring journey and the surprising role the military played in developing his philosophy and career paths. Find out how this 6'8''charter school advocate got the nickname 'Tiny'!
This episode traces the surprisingly personal path that led Anand Kesavan to create and lead the Equitable Facilities Fund. EFF is composed of finance experts and public charter school veterans determined to transform capital access for schools and communities. As CEO, Kesavan leads a team that maintains an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to students, schools and investors. And, EFF is making news right now. The nonprofit social impact fund is set to offer a $230 million social bond next week to support a variety of high-performing public charter schools across the United States bringing their total bonds outstanding to $1.3 billion. With more than 500+ charter school facility deals under his belt, you won't want to miss Anand Kesavan's conversation with Charter School Investor Podcast host Alan Wohlstetter. The Charter School Investor Podcast is created by School Improvement Partnership and hosted by Alan Wohlstetter.
This episode dives into the story of founding, financing and launching of a start-up charter school, and the guests touch on qualities of a successful start-up charter proposal, how investors evaluate a new school without students, the general market trend toward earlier financing, construction, building approval, CDFI loans, and much much more. Don't miss this one, featuring Kevin Dobson, Founder and Director of Capital College and Career Academy (CCCA) in Sacramento, CA and Rob Nickell, Managing Director at HJ Sims, who led the financing of the school. The Charter School Investor Podcast is created by School Improvement Partnership and hosted by Alan Wohlstetter. Thank you to our sponsor, HJ Sims: https://hjsims.com/investment-banking/education-finance/ Thank you to our sponsor, HJ Sims: https://hjsims.com/investment-banking/education-finance/ About School Improvement Partnership: School Improvement Partnership supports data transparency and accountability in the charter school sector through the School Improvement Partnership database and by reporting on over $1.5 billion dollars of charter school bonds. About HJ Sims Education Finance: HJ Sims and our education finance team has closed more than $7 billion in public sector and charter school financings. We are deeply experienced in helping you create, improve and build your vision for the future of education. More on School Improvement Partnership: https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/ Sponsorship Inquiries: https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/csipodcast/
One of the top voices in the education space, Paul Vallas sits down for an interview on what makes for leadership in the charter school sector, including career and technical education, supporting internships with unions, ROTC, community engagement, bringing together political leaders, and decentralizing education administration. As the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and the School District of Philadelphia, Paul's insights are not to be missed! The Charter School Investor Podcast is created by School Improvement Partnership and hosted by Alan Wohlstetter. Thank you to our sponsor, HJ Sims: https://hjsims.com/investment-banking/education-finance/ About School Improvement Partnership: School Improvement Partnership supports data transparency and accountability in the charter school sector through the School Improvement Partnership database and by reporting on over $1.5 billion dollars of charter school bonds. About HJ Sims Education Finance: HJ Sims and our education finance team has closed more than $7 billion in public sector and charter school financings. We are deeply experienced in helping you create, improve and build your vision for the future of education. More on School Improvement Partnership: https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/ Sponsorship Inquiries:https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/csipodcast/
Wells Fargo North Carolina Charter School Principal of the Year Maria Mills joins Alan Wohlstetter in discussing COVID, school safety, leadership, working with institutional investors, supporting teachers as a leader, lockdown drills, and the culture she fosters at Carolina Charter Academy. The Charter School Investor Podcast is created by School Improvement Partnership and hosted by Alan Wohlstetter. Thank you to our sponsor, HJ Sims: https://hjsims.com/investment-banking/education-finance/ About School Improvement Partnership: School Improvement Partnership supports data transparency and accountability in the charter school sector through the School Improvement Partnership database and by reporting on over $1.5 billion dollars of charter school bonds. About HJ Sims Education Finance: HJ Sims and our education finance team has closed more than $7 billion in public sector and charter school financings. We are deeply experienced in helping you create, improve and build your vision for the future of education. More on School Improvement Partnership: https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/ Sponsorship Inquiries: https://schoolimprovementpartnership.net/csipodcast/ Your review and rating helps us reach more people and get the message out about charter schools!
The first charter school industry podcast focused on leadership, in the context of specific questions around financing, investment and operating charter schools.