The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) has completed a five-year initiative aimed at developing expert charter school leaders. In partnership with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), the FCSA launched the School Leaders Fellowship, a pioneering, grant-supported program designed to foster the next generation of visionary leaders for Florida’s expanding charter school movement.
Throughout the program’s 5 years, nearly 70 dedicated educators have taken the step into leadership roles, each driven by a passion for high-quality education and a commitment to improving academic achievement. The Fellows, who represent a diverse range of charter schools, have completed a rigorous training program designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively.
Cohort 4 Fellows — listed below — will officially graduate in May 2025, marking the conclusion of this transformative initiative.
- Sheenah Adams, Language and Literacy Academy for Learning
- Kelly Adams, River City Science Academy Southeast
- Marisa Anderson, Innovation Charter School
- Andrea Barrios, Miami Community Charter Schools
- Aileen Bello, True North Academy
- Joann Burgess, Innovation Charter School
- Fabrice Clerger, Palm Beach Preparatory Charter Academy
- Neavita Daly, Bridgeprep Academy of Osceola
- Stephanie Davis, River City Science Academy Intracoastal
- Abby Ferguson, The Chilies Academy
- Robyn Gary, Choices in Learning
- Kristian Gellibert, Next Academy K-8
- Kristen Gellibert, Next Academy K-8
- Graysen Harrell, Patel Academy
- Danny Mullins, Independence Classical Academy
- Cotura Perry, Language and Literacy Academy for Learning
- Myrberline Pigne, Bridgeprep Academy of Osceola
- Kenyatta Pollock, Becoming Collegiate Academy
- Melissa Ramos-Mattia, River City Science Academy Southeast
- Zanetta Robinson, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School
- Melissa Rosario, Chambers High School
- Viviana Salamo, Main Street High
- Ken Stephens, Edison Learning
- Caitlyn Uzzi, True North Academy
While each Fellow brings a unique background and experience, all share a common goal: to become visionary leaders who inspire staff and create an environment where all students can succeed. Leicha SanMiguel, School Leaders Fellowship Program Director, worked closely with each participant, providing personalized guidance and support throughout their leadership journey. Her hands-on approach ensured that participants received the attention and resources needed to complete the program and thrive as future leaders in the public charter school sector.
Key presenters at Cohort 4 sessions included seasoned principals and stakeholders with expertise in charter school law, finance, professional learning, and leadership development. Several extraordinary School Leaders Fellows from earlier cohorts also participated as mentors and presenters. These experienced professionals helped guide the Fellows through their training, offering solutions-driven strategies and practical insights to address the challenges of leading charter schools. The program enhanced leadership development by providing essential tools, connecting participants with experienced mentors, and deepening their understanding of the complexities of running a public charter school.
Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director of the Florida Charter School Alliance, emphasized the importance of this program to the movement: “The role of the Alliance is to advocate for, protect, collaborate with, and support charter schools across the state. Our member schools must perform academically and stay true to their commitment to students, communities, and taxpayers. By developing a pipeline of dynamic, well-prepared school leaders, we are helping our member schools meet those goals and ensure their school’s longevity.
As Cohort 4 graduates, the School Leaders Fellowship draws to a close. The FCSA team, in collaboration with the FLDOE, will now survey members to identify the next impactful initiative that will continue to support charter school leadership and foster excellence in education.