Contributor Columns - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Kevin Hesla – Public School Choice and School Integration in Colorado

July 23, 2026

Kevin Hesla, Director of Data Strategy at the Colorado League of Charter Schools, examines the evolution of school choice in Colorado, noting that while public charter school enrollment has surged, integration has improved. His research indicates that charter schools can coexist with increased school integration, challenging common narratives about segregation and equity in public education.

CharterFolk Contributor Christina Greenberg – The Second Year Cliff

July 17, 2026

Christina Greenberg’s Contributor Column highlights the challenges charter school leaders face in their second year, often termed the “second year cliff.” While initial success may occur, many leaders stall without clear goals or feedback. Engaged boards can prevent stagnation by setting specific objectives and maintaining honest evaluations, ensuring transformative leadership continues.

CharterFolk Contributor Chris D’Amato – The Box I Couldn’t Check

July 10, 2026

Chris D’Amato, COO of Matter Real Estate, reflects on his transition from direct involvement in charter schools to an advisory role. While he acknowledges the weight school operators carry daily, he aims to support them by easing operational burdens without overstepping. D’Amato emphasizes the importance of genuine experiences in choosing vendors who truly understand the challenges schools face.

CharterFolk Contributor Mollie Mitchell – CharterFolk on the Move Volume 9 – July, 2026

July 2, 2026

“CharterFolk on the Move” Volume 9 highlights new leadership appointments within the charter school movement. Mollie Mitchell of The K12 Search Group presents updates on various individuals, including Justin Fuentes as Superintendent of Amigos Por Vida, Dr. Natalie Lewis as Executive Director of Highline Academy, and many others assuming key roles across multiple organizations.

CharterFolk Contributor Sonia Park – Disrupting Silos by Investing in Educators and Building Community: DCSC’s Explorers of 2026

June 16, 2026

Good morning, CharterFolk. Today we are pleased to share a Contributor Column from Sonia Park, the CEO of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition. We provide a bio for Sonia below. Sonia is a daughter of Korean immigrants and the product of public schools. Growing up she moved frequently and attended many schools in and around

Announcing the 2026 Brian’s Voice Award Winners

June 12, 2026

Greetings, Charterfolk! We are proud to announce the 2026 Brian’s Voice Award winners! Please join us in congratulating this year’s honorees— three extraordinary individuals whose stories moved us, challenged us, and reminded us of what’s possible when we speak with courage and purpose. Dr. Fatih Bogrek, Superintendent of LISA Academy Adkeem Jackson, the Senior Director of

CharterFolk Contributor Gary Larson — Persuade as a Movement. Not as an Industry

June 11, 2026

Good day, CharterFolk. Today, we are pleased to share a Contributor Column from Gary Larson, the CEO of Larson Communications. This is Part Two of a two-part series on how to communicate as a movement. Read Part One. We provide a bio for Gary below. Gary Larson is founder and CEO of Larson Communications, a

CharterFolk Contributor Gary Larson — Define Yourselves Before You’re Defined

June 9, 2026

Good day, CharterFolk. Today, we are pleased to share a Contributor Column from Gary Larson, the CEO of Larson Communications. This is Part One of a two-part series on how to communicate as a movement. We provide a bio for Gary below. Gary Larson is founder and CEO of Larson Communications, a mission-driven communications firm

CharterFolk Contributor Ronald Evans – What Happens When a Charter School Embraces Its Traditional Roots

June 4, 2026

Good day, CharterFolk. Today we are pleased to continue our “Contributor Jubilee” by sharing a Column by By Ronald Evans, a teacher at George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans. We provide a bio for Ronald below. Ronald Evans was born and raised in New Orleans and graduated from George Washington Carver High School

Too Many Submissions to Keep Up With – Our Contributor Jubilee Starts With a “Letter to the Jeditor” from Mark Medema.

June 3, 2026

Good day, CharterFolk. Well, this is a first for us. A couple years back, some of you may remember that we had so many submissions of Contributor Columns that I temporarily doubled up to send two per week. But we’ve never had as many columns come in as we have in recent weeks, and I