Frank Baxter, a founding board member of Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, has significantly contributed to educational reform in Los Angeles. His optimistic and proactive approach emerged during the pandemic, promoting innovation and transformation. Under his influence, the Alliance has become a leading charter school network, achieving high graduation rates and empowering students.
Kaleem Caire, founder and CEO of One City Schools in Madison, Wisconsin, is inspired by Laurence Clifton Jones’ legacy of education for underprivileged Black students. Through One City Schools, he emphasizes early education and family involvement, creating a Two-Generation School Model aimed at improving outcomes for students and their families, fostering community engagement and success.
Jana Lapoint, a board member at Baxter Academy in Portland, Maine, is a dedicated educator involved in the state’s charter school movement. She served on the Maine State Board of Education and approved the first charter schools, emphasizing educational choice. Jana advocates for diverse learning methods and supports future development in Maine’s charter sector.
Salome Thomas-El is the Head of School at Thomas A. Edison Charter School in Wilmington, Delaware, renowned for integrating chess into education. He believes chess teaches decision-making skills essential for students’ development. With nearly 40 years in education, he mentors future leaders, emphasizing resilience and continuous learning through challenges.
Keeanna Warren, Executive Director of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, is dedicated to providing innovative education tailored to individual student needs. With a background in diverse educational environments, she emphasizes self-direction and agency, aiming to prepare students for higher education and careers. Her leadership fosters collaboration and community engagement in education.
Eddie Rangel, Executive Director of Adelante Schools in Indianapolis, became a champion for educational equity after experiencing systemic inequity in his youth. His leadership has improved literacy at Emma Donnan Elementary & Middle School, emphasizing teacher development and community trust. He advocates for collective support among charter schools to counter negative stereotypes.
Katie Law, principal of Arapaho Charter High School, has transformed a struggling school on the Wind River Indian Reservation. After taking on various roles including EMT and coach, she has improved attendance and graduation rates significantly since becoming principal in 2018, emphasizing community ties and cultural engagement. Awarded Wyoming High School Principal of the Year, she now aims to share her insights with other educators.
CharterFolk X celebrates leaders in the charter school movement, starting with Jennifer Goodman, Superintendent of Odyssey Academy, who faced challenges posed by Hurricane Ike. Goodman’s transformative leadership emphasized engagement with community systems, advancing advocacy for equitable funding. Under her guidance, Odyssey grew to serve 1,800 students, showing commitment to education and community impact.
Dr. Gary Stueven, honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire, received the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of dedication to charter schools in Colorado. As a former principal and mentor, he champions parental choice in education and supports aspiring leaders, ensuring quality education for students and communities.
Today, we recognize Gregory V. Moser for his significant contributions to charter schools as a legal advocate. His work influenced many successful charter establishments and legal strategies, particularly through CCSA’s efforts. Moser’s unwavering support, innovative thinking, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the charter school movement in California.