October 2023 — People were chatting excitedly as they walk into the Grand Palm ballroom at the Caribe Royale Conference Center for the Opening Session of the 2023 Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit. The estimated 800+ people strolling in were a diverse group — representing charter school teachers, administrators, governing board members, founders, advocates and the private school sector. This first of its kind gathering in Florida, the Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit celebrated the success of school choice, urged continued collaboration, and discussed the continued evolution of quality education options in our state.
FCSA’s Ralph Arza kicked of the Opening Session (pictured, left) along with Vicki Pineda, Charter School Director and Adam Emerson, School Choice Director, Florida Department of Education.
In a rousing speech, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. recalled a time when Florida ranked nearly last in education achievement among all states. Twenty-seven years later, Florida ranks number one in School Choice, and among the top in various levels of achievement. Charter schools have absolutely contributed to the upswing in academic performance and the closing of the achievement gap. However, the Commissioner urged the movement to continue making progress. “Don’t make that mistake of becoming so mainstream that you become the status quo,” said Commissioner Diaz as he encouraged conference participants to continue innovating and creating new learning opportunities for students.
Earlier that day, the FCSA kicked the conference off with a workshop for the School Leaders Fellowship Cohort 3/Class of 2023 (pictured above). Guest presenters included two-National Blue Ribbon recipient Alejandra Prieto, Principal, Somerset Miramar and Cognia’s Andy Martinez and Dianna Weinbaum.
The School Leaders Fellows Share their Stories
The FCSA lounge (photos below) in the Exhibit Hall was the place to be. Hundreds of FCSA members and conference attendees came by — many of whom wanted to speak with Cohort 1 and 2 Fellows who were at our booth to share their experience about the Fellowship program. Thank you the Fellows who shared their stories: Valeria Blandino (Cohort 2), Navigator Academy of Leadership; Jeff Colavecchio (Cohort 2), Everglades Preparatory Academy; Kelly De La Cruz (Cohort 1), Mi Escuela Montessori; Razia Ali Hamm (Cohort 1), Constellation Charter Academy; Erica Leatherbarrow (Cohort 2), River City Science Academy; Rommy Ramirez (Cohort 1), BrightView Prep; and Julie Stewart (Cohort 1), Everglades Prep. We also recorded a podcast with Razia Ali Hamm (Cohort 1) about the journey to get the charter application approved and to finally open Constellation Charter School — a parent/educator-led and community-supported initiative to bring Public Waldorf education to Alachua County. Click here to listen to that great conversation.
Celebrating 27 years of Charter School Excellence & Valiant Ed Leadership in Florida
At the end of day 2 of the conference, the Florida Charter School Alliance & TechnologyLab hosted a reception to honor and highlight some of the individuals who have raised student achievement and whose contribution extend beyond their immediate community. “These individuals have made a positive impacted in our state. Their actions benefit those close to them and all of Florida’s family who rely on quality ed choice,” said Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director, FCSA. The following individuals were recognized for their “Leadership & Valiant Support of the Florida Charter School Movement.”
- Shawn and Melissa Arnold of Arnold Law LLC who led, and won, the charge to challenge Palm Beach County Public School District’s decision to keep tax referendum dollars from charter schools and the students they serve.
- Patrice Knowles is a Scholar Principal at Renaissance Charter at Hunter’s Creek. She led her team through an expansion while increasing the quality of instruction and implementing programs to support achievement and success for all the school’s stakeholders. Those programs include student acceleration and stage not age, parent university, teacher-led peer PD, and leadership coaching and mentorship of her team. She has created strong systems of support through AVID and Cambridge programs and continues to seek out the most innovative practices to bring to her school for the benefit of her students and families.
- Aishia McQueen, Principal of Palm Glades Academy and Palm Glades Academy High School, was recognized for ushering in a positive and caring culture and increased focus on academics at her school
- Gadiel Morales came to Charter Schools USA in 2015 as a career changer. A lab as a scientist, Morales pivoted to education when he decided he wanted to do something more fulfilling. He found a home and purpose at Renaissance Charter School at Tapestry where he raised proficiency in biology to 100% and supporting colleagues through coaching and mentorship. He is currently 1 of 5 finalists for teacher of the year for the State of Florida. H
- Erika Rains, Principal of Somerset College Preparatory Academy – St Lucie, has fearlessly battled the district and municipal leaders and set a precedent for how charter schools and the families they serve must be treated.
- Dr. Sharard Walker, Principal Academic Officer at Palm Beach Preparatory Charter Academy, whose approarch to improved achievement and closing the learning gap for diverse student populations includes coaching students academically and socially.
- Jennifer Ween, Palm Glades Academy middle school math teacher. Named the 2023 Charter School Associates C.H.O.I.C.E. Teacher of the Year Award recipient, Ms. Ween’s charisma and enthusiasm for student progress and relentless efforts to raise achievement is a model for all to emulate.
At the closing session, former Education Commissoner, and FCSA board member, Jim Horne talked about Florida’s journey to become a model of educational excellence, from the history of charter schools to the rise in student achievement and educational innovation, and the need to continue that work. He absolutely inspired us all to continue innovating, collaborating, and pushing forward to expand and improve the educational landscape to meet the needs and talents of today’s learners.