The Florida Charter School Alliance team just got back from the National Charter Schools Conference in Boston. The annual event brought together educators, advocates, school leaders, and stakeholders to share best practices, learn from each other, and celebrate the growth of a movement that continues to raise student achievement across the country. State leaders and associations from other states asked about the victories we’ve had in Florida From the continued growth and autonomy of charter
schools to the success of our authorizer/charter collaborative, parental support for charter and ESAs and increased student gains, the FCSA and our member schools continue to be models of what’s right in the movement.
We were inspired at the opening session by US Congressman Stephen Lynch’s story of how he became a charter school advocate and his challenges and success in establishing the Boston Collegiate Charter School. We also got to see many FCSA Marketplace partners in the exhibit hall as well as friends and colleagues from Florida. Bonus moment: Seeing Shavonna Daniels, School Leaders Fellowship Class of 2024 and Bridgeprep Academy St. Cloud principal gracing the cover of the NCSC24 program book.
Every year, the Florida Charter School Alliance recognizes individuals whose actions strengthen the charter school movement in our state. Held on the July 2 during the National Charter Schools Conference and sponsored by Technology Lab, the FCSA Charter School Heroes Awards is our way of thanking and highlighting the principals, governing board members, teachers, and/or advocates for their leadership and dedication to their communities and the families of Florida who rely on quality charter schools.
The 2024 FCSA Charter School Heroes are:
Dr. Yalcin Akin, founder and executive director of the Orlando Science School System
Dr. Yalcin Akin is the founder and executive director of the Orlando Science School System, a network of five charter school campuses serving 4,500 students in Central Florida. The schools are dedicated to excellence in STEM education. Since its establishment in 2008, the Orlando Science School has earned accolades — “A” grade from the state for 14 consecutive years, being named a School of Excellence, and being recognized by The Washington Post as one of the Top 100 Most Challenging High Schools in the United States for three consecutive years. While many talk about prioritizing science and math in schools, Dr. Yalcin took concrete actions to make that happen. His schools are models of excellence that are serving families in Central Florida and ensuring the advancement of science education within the charter school movement in the state of Florida.
Kerri Ann O’Sullivan, Principal, Somerset Silver Palms
Kerri Ann O’Sullivan is an experienced educator with over 30 years of experience leading district-run and charter schools. As the principal of Somerset Silver Palms K-12, she oversees a team of 14 professionals who review data and work alongside teachers to raise achievement among the 3,564 students they serve. Her campuses have consistently earned an “A” for the past decade and in 2021 earned a National Blue Ribbon Award. Kerri Ann O’Sullivan has also played a significant role in charter school leadership development in Florida, serving as a guest presenter and mentor for the School Leaders Fellowship.
Rossana Padron, Assistant Principal, Broward West Academy
In 2017, Rossana Padron took on the role of Elementary Teacher at West Broward Academy. A year later, she became an Instructional Coach and in 2020, the Assistant Principal. Ms. Padron continually finds ways to keep students and families engaged and involved in the school community while fostering an environment where all students feel loved and respected. What is truly remarkable about Ms. Padron is her focus on cultivating a positive school culture while also playing a pivotal role in the school’s academic success. As a result, West Broward Academy was recognized as the “Top Public School” in the City of Margate for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Below are just a few photos from the NCSC24 and the Charter School Heroes reception and awards ceremony.
