Originally released as Season 2, Episode 2, this special replay explores the life, ideas, and lasting influence of one of chartering’s most important systems thinkers.

Ted Kolderie challenged leaders to look beyond individual schools and rethink the structure of public education itself. His work helped frame chartering not simply as a type of school, but as a strategy for creating a more adaptive, innovative, and self-improving public education system.

As Ted famously argued, meaningful change requires more than improving what already exists. It requires leaders willing to challenge the givens, redesign systems, and create space for people closest to students to try something different.

In this conversation, Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, Ph.D. are joined by Ember Reichgott Junge and Don Cooper, with archival clips featuring Ted in his own words. Together, they revisit the ideas that helped shape the chartering movement and ask what those ideas mean for leaders today.

• Why Ted saw chartering as a verb, not a type of school

• How chartering was designed as a strategy for broader systems change

• Why “challenging the givens” remains essential to innovation

• The difference between improving an existing structure and redesigning it

• Why teacher leadership and professional autonomy mattered deeply to Ted

• How teacher-powered schools challenged the traditional “boss-worker” model

• What the “big boat/little boat” analogy teaches us about innovation

• Why Ted believed innovation means creating room for people to try

• How leaders can balance autonomy, accountability, and responsible risk

• Why a self-improving education system must be able to learn, adapt, and change

One of Ted’s strongest challenges remains strikingly relevant:

“I think there’s no future in a permission-based system.”

Ted believed innovation requires giving people room to act, experiment, learn, and improve—while managing risk thoughtfully rather than eliminating experimentation altogether.

His legacy also reminds us that the charter idea was never meant to be simply about creating more schools. It was about creating the conditions for new possibilities—empowering educators, expanding options for families, and helping the larger public education system learn and improve.

As we celebrate Ted Kolderie, we invite you to consider one of the questions at the heart of his work:

What are we accepting today that we should be willing to challenge and redesign?

The Bold by Choice Podcast, powered by the National Charter Schools Institute, explores the people, ideas, and choices that continue to shape the future of public education.

Explore Ted Kolderie’s original writings, interviews, and oral histories through the National Charter Schools Founders Library, and join us in carrying his ideas forward.

Subscribe, share this special replay, and keep challenging the givens.

In this episode of the Bold by Choice Podcast, Jim Goenner, Ph.D. turns the tables and interviews co-host Vashaunta Harris about her CharterFolk article, “Designing Forward: What Today’s Students Will Need Tomorrow,” which received a Brian’s Voice Award.

The conversation begins with a leadership practice that shapes much of Vashaunta’s work: listening. She explains how conversations with school leaders, board members, authorizers, families, and students can reveal patterns and signals that traditional data alone may miss—and why strong leaders have to pay attention to both.

From there, Jim and Vashaunta explore a central challenge facing education today:

This is not a moment for louder arguments. It is a moment for design.

While adults debate policy, technology, school choice, funding, and the future of the charter movement, students are walking into classrooms every day. As Vashaunta reminds us, “that third grader is only a third grader this year, and this year matters.”

• Why listening is one of the most important leadership tools

• How stories and conversations become meaningful data

• Why education leaders must move beyond debate and start asking, “What are we actually building?”

• How charter schools can stay focused on the promises made to students and families

• The difference between storytelling for branding and storytelling for leadership

• Why the best leadership stories include tension, failure, learning, and change

• What highly effective schools have in common beyond programs and playbooks

• Why schools must prepare students not only to graduate, but to live, work, adapt, contribute, and lead

• How educators can help students discover their gifts, talents, and future possibilities

• Why movements need honest voices willing to ask hard questions and keep pushing forward

Vashaunta also reflects on the meaning of receiving the Brian’s Voice Award, and why voice matters so deeply in a movement built on people sharing what they are seeing, learning, questioning, and trying to build next.

At its heart, this episode is an invitation to stop designing schools solely around what has worked before and start paying closer attention to where students, families, technology, and the world are headed.

As Vashaunta puts it, schools must broaden the definition of readiness. Success cannot stop at credits and graduation. Students also need the ability to know themselves, discover their gifts, solve problems, work with others, adapt, and make meaningful choices about what comes next.

The Bold by Choice Podcast, powered by the National Charter Schools Institute, brings together leaders, stories, and ideas that challenge us to expand possibility and build what students need next.

Hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, Ph.D.

Subscribe, share this episode with another leader, and keep listening, learning, and designing forward.

In this episode of the Bold by Choice Podcast, Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, Ph.D., President & CEO of the National Charter Schools Institute, explore what it means for leaders to intentionally create the conditions where students, staff, families, and communities can thrive.

At the start of a new school year, it is easy to get consumed by schedules, meetings, deadlines, and plans. But bold leaders understand that the people doing the work matter just as much as the work itself.

They pay attention to who is on the team, who needs support, whose gifts are being overlooked, and how each person can contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Throughout the conversation, Jim and Vashaunta also unpack the leadership choices that shape a strong year: purpose, clarity, culture, learning, responsibility, and steadfastness.

• Why bold leaders choose people, not just plans

• How to recognize and develop the unique gifts people bring to a team

• Why clarity creates freedom, ownership, and responsibility

• How culture is built through what leaders model, celebrate, correct, and allow

• Why belonging and high expectations must exist together

• How leaders can use feedback to learn, adjust, and improve

• Why responsibility is about keeping promises, not assigning blame

• How honest conversations can be both caring and clear

• Why steadfast leaders stay courageous and resilient when pressure rises

Vashaunta challenges leaders to ask whether their people feel seen, supported, trusted, and connected to the mission.

Jim reminds us that leaders have a choice in how they see the people around them:

Do we see students and staff as problems to be controlled—or as gifts to be unleashed?

Bold leaders cultivate people. They build teams. They recognize excellence, tell the truth, create clarity, and keep students at the center of every decision.

As you move into the year, ask yourself:

Who needs to be better supported, better aligned, more seen, or more fully invited to use their gifts?

The Bold by Choice Podcast, powered by the National Charter Schools Institute, brings together ideas, experiences, and leaders committed to advancing excellence and expanding what is possible for students.

Subscribe, share this episode with another leader, and keep choosing to be Bold by Choice.

In this episode of the Bold by Choice Podcast, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, Ph.D. unpack seven start-of-year reminders for leaders who want to begin with intention and create the conditions for students, families, teams, and communities to thrive.

Being bold does not mean being louder, busier, or more performative. It means making disciplined choices about what matters most—and then leading with the clarity, courage, and steadiness to follow through.

Jim and Vashaunta explore seven choices that can shape the entire year:

Purpose. People. Clarity. Culture. Learning. Responsibility. Steadfastness.

Together, they examine how leaders can reconnect their teams to the promise behind the work, cultivate and retain great people, create clarity around roles and expectations, intentionally build culture, use early feedback to learn and improve, strengthen ownership, and remain steady when the pressures of the year begin to rise.

• Why bold leaders reconnect people to purpose before tasks

• How attracting, developing, and retaining the right people expands possibility

• Why clarity around roles, goals, and expectations creates ownership

• How leaders build culture on purpose, rather than letting it happen by accident

• Why early data, feedback, and evidence should drive learning and improvement

• How care, responsibility, and high expectations work together

• Why leaders must remain steadfast when the year becomes challenging

• Practical questions for school leaders, boards, authorizers, nonprofit leaders, and ecosystem partners

The challenge is not simply to launch the school year.

It is to intentionally create the conditions that will shape what students, families, staff, and communities experience all year long.

Before the end of September, take these seven reminders to your leadership team, board, authorizing team, or staff and ask:

Which of these disciplines does our team need most right now—and what would it look like to lead from it for the next 30 days?

Bold leadership is not about having every answer. It is about making the choices that keep the promise visible and the work moving forward.

The Bold by Choice Podcast is hosted by the National Charter Schools Institute and explores the people, ideas, and choices shaping what is possible in education.

Subscribe and join us as we continue advancing excellence, expanding possibility, and choosing to stay bold.

Recorded live at the Public Charter School Alliances Podcast Festival, this episode of Bold by Choice brings hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner together with Patricia Brantley, CEO of Friendship Public Charter School and founding chair of the D.C. Charter School Alliance, for a candid conversation about what it takes to preserve—and keep advancing—the charter movement.

Patricia reflects on more than three decades with Friendship, beginning with the organization’s earliest days and the moment she realized this work had become more than a job—it was a calling. She shares the experience of watching families leave an early school lottery without a seat for their children and how that moment strengthened Friendship’s determination to create more high-quality opportunities. Today, Friendship serves thousands of students across Washington, D.C., with alumni returning as parents, teachers, and leaders.

The conversation also gets candid about the fights that come with the work. Patricia recounts battles over facilities, funding, compliance, expansion, and decisions that did not always put students first. Her message is clear: great results alone will not protect a school or a movement. Leaders have to tell their story, build community, advocate together, and be willing to challenge rules and assumptions that no longer serve students.

That leads to a larger question for the charter community: Have we become too comfortable? Jim and Patricia explore the danger of charter schools becoming the very status quo they were created to challenge. Courage means more than opening a school. Sometimes it means admitting when a model is not working, restructuring, changing course, demanding equitable treatment, or refusing to accept “that’s just how the system works.”

At its heart, this episode is an invitation to recover the original spirit of chartering. Kids do not need another sector defending itself. They need educators, leaders, boards, authorizers, advocates, and families willing to keep building what comes next.

In This Episode

• When education work becomes a calling

• Friendship Public Charter School’s 30+ year journey

• Why families and students must remain the North Star

• The courage required to open—and sustain—a charter school

• Why strong academic outcomes are not enough to protect the movement

• Fair funding, facilities, and regulatory burdens

• Building advocacy before a crisis arrives

• Why charter leaders need community and a “posse”

• Competition, choice, and staying responsive to families

• The danger of charters becoming the new status quo

• Challenging rules instead of simply accepting them

• Knowing when to restructure, merge, change, or let go

• Why storytelling matters

• Building schools where students and adults feel they get to be there

• Courage as acting even when you are afraid

At your next board or leadership meeting, ask:

Are we protecting an institution—or advancing a promise for students?

Then go one step further:

Where are we behaving like caretakers of what already exists, and where are we acting like builders of what students need next?

Courage is not protecting charter schools simply because they are charter schools. It is staying committed to the purpose that created the movement in the first place: delivering better possibilities for kids.

A sector protects its place. A movement protects its purpose.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this special Labor Day episode of Bold by Choice, Vashaunta Harris, Dr. Jim Goenner, Don Cooper, and Heather Wendling use the holiday as a doorway into a bigger question for education leaders: Are we preparing students merely to graduate, or are we preparing them to contribute, work, lead, create, adapt, and thrive in the world they are actually entering?

Don Cooper opens the conversation by connecting Labor Day, public education, and the broader American story. He reflects on the Progressive Era, industrialization, the labor movement, and the democratic purpose of public education—preparing people not only for work, but also for citizenship, community participation, and a fuller share in the American dream.

From there, Jim connects the conversation to chartering as a movement. Chartering was never meant simply to preserve institutions. It was designed to create the possibility for new and responsive approaches to education. As the nature of work changes, schools must remain focused on the North Star: preparing students for college, work, and life, while giving them the knowledge, skills, and agency to choose their own path.

Heather brings the discussion into the Future Ready work, explaining why readiness is about much more than career pathways, credentials, or CTE programs. Future Ready learning includes meaningful exposure to careers and industries, real-world application, strong partnerships, student agency, and durable skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. The challenge is not simply to create another program—it is to design the student experience around the world young people will actually enter.

The episode closes with practical moves leaders can make right now: examine student schedules, ask students what feels relevant to their futures, strengthen community and employer partnerships, look for evidence of durable skills, confront emerging questions about AI, and pay attention to whether students and educators feel like they get to come to school—or simply have to.

In This Episode

• The deeper meaning of Labor Day for education leaders

• Work, dignity, democracy, and public education

• Why schools prepare citizens as well as future workers

• Chartering as a movement for responsiveness and innovation

• Preparing students for college, work, and life

• What “Future Ready” actually means

• Durable skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking

• Career-connected and real-world learning

• The role of employers and community partners

• Student agency and meaningful career exposure

• Preparing students to use AI responsibly

• What boards should monitor beyond traditional academic measures

• Why culture can either accelerate or undermine strategy

Bring this question to your next board, leadership team, staff, or student conversation:

What are we doing this year to prepare students not only to graduate, but to contribute, work, lead, create, and thrive in the world they are actually entering?

Then ask:

What evidence would convince us that students are becoming future ready—not only course-ready, test-ready, or compliance-ready?

The future will not wait for schools to catch up. If work, technology, and communities are changing, education leaders have a responsibility to keep learning, adapting, and designing experiences that help every student discover their gifts and build a meaningful future.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined by Kathy L. Smith, CEO and Founder of EdVision LLC Education Consulting and a board member of the National Charter Schools Institute, for a forward-looking conversation about what governance must become to remain responsive, student-centered, and worthy of public trust.

Kathy begins with the story of her first days as a high school English teacher, when she was assigned students who had too often been underestimated and given fewer opportunities to succeed. That experience shaped a belief she has carried across the classroom, philanthropy, policy, consulting, and the boardroom: adults have a responsibility to make sure the mission is more than words on paper.

From there, the conversation explores what strong board service really requires. Kathy reflects on the importance of intentionally building boards with diverse experiences and skill sets, supporting school leaders while also holding them accountable, and making difficult decisions through the lens of mission rather than convenience. She shares examples of boards choosing long-term community impact over easier solutions and explains why bold governance requires both courage and care.

The discussion then turns to the future. As schools navigate artificial intelligence, enrollment shifts, workforce expectations, student mental health, growing competition, and changing community needs, Kathy challenges boards to spend more time looking ahead. Rather than waiting for emerging issues to become crises, she encourages governing teams to study trends, anticipate change, and create space in board meetings for strategic conversations about the world students are preparing to enter.

At its heart, this episode is a call for boards to move beyond monitoring what has already happened and become active stewards of what comes next.

Hosts

• Vashaunta Harris

• Dr. Jim Goenner, President & CEO, National Charter Schools Institute

Guest

• Kathy L. Smith, CEO & Founder, EdVision LLC Education Consulting

In This Episode

• How Kathy’s classroom experience shaped her view of adult responsibility

• The difference between an individual board member and the collective board

• Why board composition and diverse perspectives matter

• Balancing leadership support with accountability

• Making courageous, mission-centered decisions

• Why boards need to spend more time looking toward the future

• Navigating innovation, competition, and organizational risk

• Watching trends in enrollment, achievement, workforce needs, and community expectations

• Why educator experience matters in board composition

• Keeping governance connected to the communities schools serve

• Artificial intelligence as an emerging governance responsibility

• Preparing students for a rapidly changing future

Before your next board meeting, identify one future reality your board may not be fully prepared to govern through yet.

It might be:

• Artificial intelligence

• Student mental health

• Workforce readiness

• Enrollment shifts

• Public trust

• Facilities

• Leadership succession

Then ask:

What decision, discipline, or conversation needs to happen now so our school is not simply protecting what exists, but preparing students for the world ahead?

Great boards do not simply react to change. They anticipate it.

The future of governance will require discipline and stewardship, but also adaptability, curiosity, humility, and the courage to reconsider assumptions that may no longer serve students well.

The promise doesn’t prove itself. Someone has to decide.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined again by Heather Wendling, Vice President of Professional Services at the National Charter Schools Institute, for a conversation about what it means to govern with renewal readiness in mind long before renewal ever arrives.

Heather shares the story of a school that entered its renewal cycle feeling confident. Meetings were consistent, audits were clean, enrollment was strong, and no major crisis was looming. But as the board began preparing for renewal, it realized it had plenty of information without enough shared clarity. Dashboards were full, committees were active, and reports were being received—but much of the work was disconnected from the school’s strategic priorities and the authorizer’s accountability framework.

That realization became a turning point. Instead of treating renewal as a compliance exercise, the board began using it as a governance mirror. It sharpened its focus on mission, priorities, performance, and people; aligned meetings and dashboards to measurable goals; strengthened onboarding; and created clearer systems for understanding academic and financial data.

The conversation also explores the difference between receiving information and actually building governance understanding. Heather, Jim, and Vashaunta discuss why every board member—not just the treasurer, academic expert, or longest-serving trustee—needs enough knowledge to engage meaningfully with the data and decisions in front of them.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that strong renewal outcomes are not built in the renewal year. They are built through the habits, systems, questions, and decisions a board practices throughout the entire charter term.

In This Episode

• Why renewal begins long before the renewal year

• Using renewal as a governance mirror

• The difference between information and understanding

• Aligning dashboards with mission and strategic priorities

• Monitoring academic and financial performance over time

• Building board-wide knowledge and accountability

• Strengthening onboarding and committee structures

• Conducting annual board self-evaluations

• Understanding authorizer expectations before renewal

• Building governance systems that outlast individual personalities

At your next board meeting, ask:

If renewal happened tomorrow, what evidence would clearly demonstrate our effectiveness as a governing board?

Not just compliance. Not just activity. But evidence of strategic clarity, disciplined oversight, organizational alignment, and long-term stewardship.

Renewal readiness is ultimately about stewardship. The strongest boards do not wait for renewal to prove the promise—they build the evidence every year through consistent, disciplined governance.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined by Alyson Murphy, Director of Partner Services at the National Charter Schools Institute, for a conversation about the part of governance that happens beyond policies, dashboards, budgets, and board meetings: building trust, relationships, credibility, and public belief.

Alyson shares the story of a board that appeared to be doing everything right internally. Meetings were organized, financials were clean, policies were current, and academic reports were reviewed. But outside the school walls, public trust was eroding. Families were unclear about the school’s mission, local leaders rarely heard from the board, misinformation was spreading, and the school leader was carrying nearly all external relationships alone.

A facility issue and potential school expansion eventually exposed the cost of that inward focus. The board realized it had governed the organization but neglected the ecosystem surrounding it. That realization changed how members understood stewardship. They began attending community meetings, building relationships with local leaders, engaging families more intentionally, learning to tell the school’s story, and becoming active advocates for students and the mission.

Vashaunta, Jim, and Alyson also unpack what authentic advocacy looks like for board members. It is not simply lobbying or public relations. It is showing up, listening, building bridges, elevating student and family voices, and developing relationships before they are urgently needed. They also explore how simple governance habits—such as opening meetings with a mission moment—can help boards keep people, purpose, and impact at the center.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that strong boards do more than oversee schools. They help create the conditions in which schools can flourish.

In This Episode

• Why governance extends beyond the boardroom

• The difference between governing an organization and stewarding a mission

• Building public trust before it is needed

• The board’s role in advocacy

• Creating authentic community relationships

• Telling the school’s story with clarity and credibility

• Recruiting board members who can serve as community bridge-builders

• Elevating student, family, and educator voices

• Why visibility and presence matter

• Using mission moments to strengthen board culture

At your next board meeting, ask:

How are we actively building trust, visibility, and relationships beyond our board meetings?

Where are we showing up? Who hears our story? Who experiences us only from a distance? And what relationships might we need to strengthen in order to better serve students and families?

Strong governance is not only measured by what happens inside meetings. It is also reflected in how boards build trust, strengthen relationships, listen to communities, and advocate publicly for students and families.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner welcome back Mary Bradley, Chief Operating Officer of the National Charter Schools Institute, for a conversation about strategic planning as a discipline of long-term stewardship.

Mary explains why strategic planning should never become a polished document that sits on a shelf. The real value comes from turning strategic thinking into a clear plan, moving that plan into action, and adjusting thoughtfully as conditions change.

Drawing from her work with boards and school organizations across the country, Mary shares how strong planning begins with honest reflection: celebrating what is working, naming where the organization has drifted, revisiting the mission, and defining the future state the school is trying to create. She also emphasizes the importance of including board members, school leaders, staff, students, and community voices so that the plan becomes a shared commitment rather than a board-only exercise.

The conversation explores how boards can align strategic direction with the promises made in their charter contract, clarify roles and responsibilities, structure committees around priorities, and monitor progress without drifting into day-to-day implementation. Vashaunta, Jim, and Mary also examine the importance of preparing for future student needs rather than simply preserving practices that worked in the past.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that the most important product of strategic planning may not be the plan itself. It is the shared clarity that helps boards and leaders navigate difficult decisions, align resources, and build an organization capable of lasting impact.

In This Episode

• Strategic thinking versus strategic action

• Why strategic plans should be living documents

• Reflecting honestly on the organization’s current state

• Revisiting mission, charter promises, and long-term direction

• Defining a shared future state

• Including student, staff, family, and community voices

• Aligning budgets, facilities, leadership, and priorities

• Clarifying board and school-leader responsibilities

• Structuring committees around strategic goals

• Turning planning into disciplined execution

• Building long-term organizational sustainability

At your next board meeting, ask:

Are we making decisions that simply solve immediate pressures, or decisions that strengthen long-term sustainability and mission alignment?

Strategic planning is not ultimately about creating a document. It is about building enough shared clarity to guide difficult decisions over time.

The strongest organizations are rarely sustained by passion alone. They last because boards choose disciplined stewardship, align around a shared direction, and turn bold ideas into thoughtful action.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined by Mark Weinberg of the National Charter Schools Institute for a practical conversation about how boards respond when pressure rises.

Enrollment declines, leadership transitions, financial strain, political tension, and public scrutiny can quickly expose whether a board has the discipline, trust, and systems needed to govern well. Mark explains why written policies, clear roles, succession planning, and strong communication routines matter most before a crisis ever begins.

The conversation includes the story of a board that transitioned away from a management organization while confronting declining academic performance. The board was able to navigate the change because it had a strong school leader and took time to clarify responsibilities, revise policies, and build internal capacity. But when that leader later departed, the organization’s lack of succession planning exposed a deeper vulnerability.

Vashaunta, Jim, and Mark also examine the board’s role in risk management, including risks involving people, property, programs, leadership, finances, and mission. They discuss how strong boards remain calm and strategic without drifting into operations—and why school leaders need clarity and support rather than several competing opinions during difficult seasons.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that governing through crisis is not about reacting perfectly. It is about remaining anchored in mission, values, policy, transparency, and student-centered decision-making when the path forward is uncertain.

In This Episode

• Why crises reveal the true health of governance culture

• Written policy as a guide during uncertainty

• Leadership transitions and succession planning

• Managing organizational change without losing strategic focus

• The board’s role in risk management

• Protecting people, property, and programs

• Supporting school leaders without taking over operations

• The connection between mission, budget, and priorities

• Habits that help boards remain steady under pressure

• Keeping decisions centered on students

At your next board meeting, identify one governance risk your board may be underestimating:

• Financial

• Leadership

• Strategic

• Cultural

• Reputational

Then ask:

Do we have the relationships, clarity, and systems necessary to navigate pressure well?

Because crisis does not create governance culture. It reveals it.

Strong governance during crisis is not about perfection. It is about steadiness. The best boards remain grounded in mission, relationships, transparency, and disciplined decision-making—even when the pressure is high.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined by Heather Wendling, Vice President of Professional Services at the National Charter Schools Institute, for a candid conversation about governance maturity and the patterns that can quietly weaken a board over time.

Heather shares the story of a charter school board that began with a close-knit group of passionate founders. Their trust, loyalty, and willingness to do whatever it took helped launch the school successfully. But as the school grew, the board’s governance practices did not mature with it. Power became concentrated, new voices struggled to emerge, accountability felt personal, and important conversations were increasingly avoided.

The conversation explores how even strong relationships can become unhealthy when boards rely on personalities instead of structures. Heather, Jim, and Vashaunta discuss founder dependence, succession planning, board onboarding, communication routines, power-sharing, and the danger of treating constant contact with a school leader as a substitute for clear governance systems.

Listeners will also hear practical guidance for creating healthier board cultures, including strengthening bylaws and committees, defining communication expectations, mentoring new members, opening meetings to student and family voices, and making board meetings more strategic and forward-looking.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that trust and loyalty are valuable—but they are not enough. Sustainable governance requires the courage to ask difficult questions, share responsibility, welcome new perspectives, and build systems that can carry the mission forward beyond any one founder, board chair, or school leader.

In This Episode

• How healthy boards can slowly develop unhealthy patterns

• Founder dependence and concentrated decision-making

• Why new board members sometimes struggle to contribute

• The difference between loyalty and stewardship

• Leadership transitions and succession planning

• Building sustainable governance beyond founding personalities

• Healthy communication routines between boards and school leaders

• Board onboarding, mentoring, and power-sharing

• Creating space for student, family, and educator voices

• Moving from relationship-based governance to institutional strength

At your next meeting, ask:

What structures, routines, or habits are we intentionally building to strengthen trust, clarity, and healthy governance over time?

Healthy board cultures do not emerge by accident. They are built by choice.

The strongest boards are not the ones that avoid tension. They are the ones that have the trust, discipline, and maturity to move through it together while staying focused on students, mission, and long-term sustainability.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined by Mary Bradley, Chief Operating Officer of the National Charter Schools Institute, for a practical conversation about how thoughtful questions can strengthen board culture, improve decision-making, and build trust between governing boards and school leaders.

Mary explains that wise questions are not designed to accuse, embarrass, or force quick answers. They invite reflection, uncover assumptions, reveal blind spots, and help boards and leaders think more deeply together. The conversation explores how this approach can transform discussions about budgets, enrollment, academic performance, strategic priorities, and organizational support.

Using real-world examples, the hosts examine the difference between asking, “What changed from last year?” and asking, “How does this align with our mission and goals?” They also discuss how boards can move beyond reviewing numbers to understanding the assumptions, trends, and student outcomes behind them.

The episode also highlights the importance of annual governance calendars, summer board planning, and proactive conversations that help boards stay focused on strategy rather than drifting into operations. Mary encourages board members to remain curious about changes in their communities, ask leaders what support they need, and create space for student, family, and staff voices.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that strong boards do not need to have every answer. They need the discipline, humility, and curiosity to ask questions that lead to greater clarity, trust, and better decisions.

In This Episode

• What makes a governance question “wise”

• Moving from interrogation to curiosity

• Connecting budgets to mission and strategic priorities

• Examining assumptions behind enrollment and financial projections

• Asking better questions about academic performance

• Building trust between boards and school leaders

• Using annual governance calendars to stay proactive

• Making the most of summer board planning

• Bringing student, family, and community voices into governance

• Staying curious instead of protecting the status quo

At your next board or committee meeting, pay attention not only to the answers being given, but to the questions shaping the conversation.

Are your questions creating curiosity or defensiveness? Clarity or confusion? Strategic thinking or operational drift?

Wise governance begins not with having all the answers, but with asking better questions. The strongest boards are often not the quickest to react—they are the most curious.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

Strong schools don't happen by chance—they're built through intentional leadership, disciplined governance, and a relentless focus on students.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner welcome Mark Weinberg, governance expert and Senior Vice President at the National Charter Schools Institute, for a practical conversation about what separates high-performing charter school boards from those that simply manage compliance.

Drawing from decades of experience as a school leader, authorizer, and board advisor, Mark shares why even passionate boards can drift into reactive, compliance-heavy habits—and how intentional meeting design, purposeful committee work, strong board development, and strategic leadership can transform governance culture. As Mark reminds us, every board member cares deeply about students, but effective governance requires more than good intentions—it requires preparation, clarity, and discipline.

The conversation explores the distinction between governance and management, the importance of "managing up" as a school leader, why silence in the boardroom is often a warning sign, and how the strongest boards stay focused on mission, academic performance, and long-term stewardship rather than simply checking compliance boxes.

The episode concludes with this week's Boardroom Moment, challenging every board to examine its agenda and ask a simple but powerful question: How much of our meeting is spent governing strategically versus simply receiving information? Because, as Vashaunta reminds us, the promise doesn't prove itself—someone has to decide.

Bold by Choice is hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner and is powered by the National Charter Schools Institute. Throughout Season 5, the podcast explores the leadership disciplines, governance practices, and courageous decisions that help charter school boards move from oversight to stewardship—and from good intentions to lasting impact.

• Why passionate boards can still become reactive

• Governance vs. management: understanding the difference

• Warning signs of ineffective board culture

• The importance of board orientation and continuous learning

• Designing meetings that strengthen governance

• Purpose-driven committees and strategic oversight

• Building strong partnerships between boards and school leaders

• Practical habits of high-performing charter school boards

• This week's Boardroom Moment: Evaluate your agenda through a strategic governance lens

Hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner are joined by Don Cooper for a special Independence Day conversation exploring the Declaration of Independence, self-governance, human flourishing, and the enduring promise of educational freedom. Together, they examine how the charter school movement reflects America's founding belief that communities can come together to build something better for future generations.

The discussion connects the nation's founding ideals with the work of educators, school leaders, and governing boards today. The hosts explore why a charter is more than a legal document—it's a public promise—and why preparing students for lives of purpose, freedom, and contribution remains at the heart of the movement.

As the conversation concludes, each host shares a personal wish for America's next 250 years—from recommitting to shared values, to practicing courageous listening, to ensuring every student has the opportunity to discover their gifts and flourish.

Whether you're celebrating Independence Day with family, leading a school community, or simply reflecting on the future of education, this special episode offers a thoughtful reminder that freedom comes with responsibility—and that every generation has the opportunity to renew the promise.

• Why the Declaration of Independence still matters 250 years later
• Self-governance and the American experiment
• The connection between charter schools and educational freedom
• Human dignity, opportunity, and human flourishing
• Why a charter is a promise—not just a legal document
• The future of the charter school movement and the next generation of leaders
• Reflections and wishes for America's next 250 years

Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Dr. Jim Goenner Special Guest: Don Cooper Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In the second episode of our Season 5 governance series, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner, President & CEO of the National Charter Schools Institute, tackle one of the most common—and costly—tensions facing charter school boards: the difference between governing and managing. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: great boards don't run schools—they create the conditions for schools to thrive.

Drawing from decades of experience serving, advising, and training governing boards, Jim explains why boards often drift into day-to-day operations during times of uncertainty, how role confusion erodes trust, and what healthy governance actually looks like. Together, he and Vashaunta explore practical strategies for keeping boards focused on mission, strategy, stewardship, and long-term success rather than operational details.

The conversation also highlights the importance of board culture, credibility, proactive leadership, mission-centered meetings, and values that guide decision-making when challenges arise. Whether you're a new board member, an experienced trustee, or a school leader working closely with your board, this episode offers practical wisdom for building stronger governance and healthier organizations.

In This Episode

• Why boards drift into management

• The difference between governance and operations

• The board's role as steward of the school's promise

• Building trust through role clarity and accountability

• Governance as a discipline—not just a structure

• Creating productive, mission-focused board meetings

• The importance of board values and organizational credibility

• Practical habits that strengthen board culture

• This week's Boardroom Moment challenge for your next board meeting

Key Takeaway

Strong governance isn't about controlling every decision. It's about creating clarity, trust, accountability, and disciplined focus so school leaders can lead effectively and students can thrive. When boards stay focused on mission, strategy, and stewardship, everyone benefits.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this opening episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner launch the season theme, Someone Has to Decide, by exploring the moral weight of board leadership and governance. Through stories, practical frameworks, and candid reflections, they examine what happens when schools face academic struggles, leadership challenges, financial pressures, or difficult renewal decisions—and why avoiding hard conversations can be just as consequential as making the wrong decision.

The discussion centers on a familiar governance challenge: a school filled with caring educators, committed families, and passionate leaders that nevertheless continues to struggle academically. Jim and Vashaunta unpack the tension between compassion and accountability, loyalty and stewardship, and explain why strong boards must remain focused on their promises to students rather than their comfort with the status quo.

Listeners will hear practical guidance on how boards can approach difficult decisions, including asking better questions, conducting deeper analysis, distinguishing between symptoms and root causes, evaluating leadership capacity, and remaining grounded in mission and values when emotions run high. The episode also explores why governance is fundamentally about stewardship of public trust and why courage often looks less like dramatic action and more like honest inquiry, thoughtful deliberation, and principled decision-making.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that governance is not passive. It requires judgment, responsibility, wisdom, and the willingness to make difficult choices when the stakes are highest. Because the promise doesn't prove itself—someone has to decide.

Season Theme

• Someone Has to Decide

In This Episode

• Why governance is about more than meetings, motions, and compliance

• The emotional realities behind difficult board decisions

• Stewardship versus loyalty

• Public trust and accountability in charter school governance

• Identifying root causes behind academic struggles

• Leadership capacity and organizational improvement

• Asking wise questions and listening with curiosity

• Evaluating leaders and setting clear expectations

• Governance courage and professional judgment

• The responsibility of boards to keep promises made to students and families

Boardroom Moment

Where might we be protecting comfort instead of confronting reality? And what difficult question needs more courage, honesty, or curiosity at our table right now?

Key Takeaway Strong governance is not measured only by moments of success. It is measured by whether boards are willing to make difficult decisions with integrity, humility, courage, and an unwavering focus on student outcomes. Stewardship requires more than support—it requires the willingness to decide.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this special partnership spotlight episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner welcome Dr. Richard Seigler-Carter, educator, leadership coach, former school principal, and leader with the LeveragED Foundation, to explore a question many school systems are asking: Are we preparing leaders for the realities they face today?

Richard shares his remarkable journey from professional dancer and arts educator to principal, network leader, and national leadership developer. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from leading through uncertainty, building strong teams, and discovering that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the conditions for others to thrive.

The conversation highlights LaunchPad, a year-long leadership development experience created by the LeveragED Foundation and now expanding through partnership with the National Charter Schools Institute. Unlike traditional professional development, LaunchPad combines coaching, simulated practice, school-based assessments, peer learning, and real-world leadership challenges to help leaders strengthen adaptive leadership skills, build confidence, and navigate complexity more effectively.

Listeners will hear why today's leaders need more than technical expertise, how leadership development must evolve beyond compliance-based training, and why community, self-awareness, and continuous growth are essential for sustaining excellent schools. The discussion also explores leadership resilience, professional judgment, and the importance of helping leaders become not just administrators, but transformational leaders capable of building thriving school communities.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that great schools are built by healthy, capable leaders—and that leadership development should be transformational, not merely informational.

In This Episode

• Why school leadership has become increasingly complex

• The difference between managing and leading

• Adaptive leadership and decision-making under uncertainty

• Building leadership capacity through simulated practice

• The LaunchPad leadership development model

• School health assessments and personalized coaching

• Leadership resilience, community, and self-awareness

• Creating cultures where educators and students thrive

• The partnership between the National Charter Schools Institute and LeveragED Foundation

• Expanding leadership development opportunities across Michigan, Ohio, and beyond

Key Takeaway The future of education depends on leaders who can navigate complexity, build trust, develop others, and adapt through change. Strong schools require strong leaders—and strong leaders need opportunities to grow, practice, reflect, and learn in community.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust and recipient of the National Charter Schools Institute's Arc Changer Award, presented at the Bold By Choice Summit. Together, they explore what it means to pursue lasting systems change, build coalitions around a shared vision, and remain committed to expanding opportunity for students over the long term.

Brandon shares his journey from Teach For America corps member in St. Louis to educational advocate and leader in Indianapolis. Along the way, he discovered that while great teaching can change lives, lasting impact often requires transforming the systems that shape students' opportunities.

The conversation examines The Mind Trust's twenty-year commitment to educational innovation, talent development, school incubation, and policy leadership. Brandon reflects on the organization's unwavering North Star: ensuring that students' futures are not determined by their race, income, or ZIP code. Through stories of persistence, coalition building, and courageous leadership, he reveals what it takes to move from bold ideas to meaningful, sustainable change.

Listeners will also hear about the challenges that accompany transformative work—from public resistance and political opposition to the personal costs of advocacy—and why trust, credibility, and long-term relationships remain essential ingredients for lasting progress.

At its heart, this episode is about more than educational reform. It is about bold persistence—the willingness to stay committed long enough to help bend the arc of opportunity toward something better for future generations.

In This Episode

• Brandon's journey from classroom teacher to systems-level leader

• The founding vision and evolution of The Mind Trust

• Why educational change requires a long-term perspective

• Building coalitions around a shared North Star

• School innovation and talent development in Indianapolis

• The role of persistence in systems transformation

• Navigating resistance and public criticism

• Leadership lessons from difficult seasons

• Expanding educational opportunity through policy and partnership

• What gives hope for the future of education

Key Takeaway Changing the arc of education requires more than bold ideas. It requires courage, endurance, trust, and a relentless commitment to creating opportunities that may take years to fully emerge. The Mind Trust's story demonstrates how sustained leadership and community partnership can expand what is possible for students, families, and entire cities.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Nicole Gasper, CEO of West Michigan Aviation Academy, recipient of the National Charter Schools Institute's inaugural Pathways to Opportunity Award.

Located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, West Michigan Aviation Academy has reimagined what career-connected learning can look like. Students aren't simply studying aviation, engineering, robotics, or biomedical sciences—they're immersed in authentic experiences that connect learning to purpose, possibility, and future opportunity.

Nicole shares her own unexpected journey to the academy, the vision that inspired founder Dick DeVos to create a public charter school centered on aviation and access, and how a culture of professionalism, belonging, and high expectations has become the school's defining characteristic.

From earning pilot licenses and drone certifications to building aircraft, exploring biomedical sciences, and partnering with industry leaders, students experience learning in ways that make future careers feel real and attainable. The conversation also highlights inspiring alumni stories—from commercial airline pilots to university researchers—and explores how purpose-driven learning helps students discover who they can become.

At its core, this episode is about more than aviation. It's about helping young people see possibilities for their future and creating pathways that turn dreams into destinations.

In This Episode

• The founding vision behind West Michigan Aviation Academy

• Why career-connected learning changes student outcomes

• Learning on an active airport campus

• Aviation, engineering, robotics, and biomedical science pathways

• Student pilot training and FAA certifications

• Industry partnerships that make learning real

• Alumni success stories and workforce connections

• Building a culture of professionalism, purpose, and belonging

• Why pathways are ultimately about possibility

Key Takeaway When students can connect learning to purpose, opportunity, and identity, they don't just prepare for the future—they begin building it today. West Michigan Aviation Academy demonstrates how powerful education can be when young people are trusted with real responsibility, meaningful experiences, and a vision for what is possible.

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Croy Lewis, Executive Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) and recipient of the 2026 Stewards of Possibility Award.

Terry’s journey began as a charter school mom in the 1990s — a parent searching for a school where her child could truly thrive. What followed became a decades-long commitment to creating opportunities for students, families, and communities through courageous leadership, innovative school design, and deep relationships.

Together, the conversation explores how CSI has redefined authorizing — not as compliance alone, but as a balance of accountability, support, trust, and possibility. Terry shares stories about launching schools that challenged assumptions, including schools serving students on the autism spectrum, outdoor learning models in the Colorado mountains, and charter schools on tribal land.

The episode also dives into leadership development, why listening matters more than ever, and how curiosity and humility help organizations continue evolving to meet the needs of students.

Because stewardship isn’t about protecting systems. It’s about protecting possibility.

In This Episode:

• The origins of CSI and Terry’s charter school journey

• Why parental voice matters in public education

• Accountability and support in authorizing

• Building trust with school leaders and communities

• Innovation in charter school models

• Outdoor schools, tribal schools, and neurodiverse learning communities

• Leadership development and organizational culture

• Why curiosity is essential for the future of education

• The meaning behind the Stewards of Possibility Award

Key Takeaway: Fear may produce compliance — but trust produces improvement. Great leadership creates the conditions where innovation, relationships, and student success can thrive together.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Ryan of Bluum, recipient of the 2026 Bold by Choice Catalyst Award, to explore how leadership, talent, and shared values can transform educational opportunity across an entire state.

From teaching in post-Communist Poland to helping launch one of the nation’s most influential charter school ecosystems in Idaho, Terry shares the unexpected journey that shaped his belief in innovation, community, and courageous leadership.

The conversation dives into Bluum’s bold vision to create 20,000 new school seats in 10 years, the launch of the Idaho New School Fellowship, the power of investing in people first, and why rural communities deserve innovative learning models designed around their unique needs.

Together, they explore the difference between leadership and management, why movements matter more than sectors, and how catalysts create momentum by bringing people together around possibility.

Because real change doesn’t happen by accident. Somebody has to choose to build it.

In This Episode:

• The story behind Bluum and Idaho’s charter school growth

• Why talent and leadership matter more than perfect plans

• Building rural and remote learning models

• The Idaho New School Fellowship

• Leadership vs. management

• Why movements begin with vision

• How charter schools create space for innovation

• The role of values in long-term educational change

• What it means to be a “Catalyst” in education

Key Takeaway: Catalysts don’t just spark ideas — they create momentum, build partnerships, and help communities imagine what’s possible for students.

In this special episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner reflect on the heart behind the Bold by Choice movement following the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit. Together, they unpack the ideas, values, and leadership commitments shaping the future of education — and why courage, responsibility, and possibility matter now more than ever.

This conversation explores why boldness is not about being loud or disruptive, but about choosing action, building intentionally, and believing deeply in students even when the path forward is uncertain.

From the future of learning and school design to the emotional power of movements, relationships, and community, Jim and Vashaunta reflect on the deeper purpose behind the summit, the podcast, and the work educators are being called to do in this moment.

The episode also introduces the meaning behind the Bold by Choice Awards — including Stewards of Possibility, Pathways of Opportunity, Catalyst, Arc Changer, and Lantern — and why these honors were intentionally designed around values rather than status or achievement.

Because great schools don’t happen by chance. Movements happen when people choose to build.

In This Episode:

• What “Bold by Choice” actually means

• Why education requires courage and movement thinking

• The future of learning, AI, personalization, and student belonging

• Why movements are emotional — not just strategic

• Reflections from the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit

• The purpose behind the Bold by Choice Awards

• Why schools must focus on possibility, not sameness

• The importance of relationships, connection, and student dignity

Featured Award Themes:

• Stewards of Possibility

• Pathways of Opportunity

• Catalyst

• Arc Changer

• Lantern

Key Takeaway: Bold by Choice isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing to move forward with courage anyway — because students deserve leaders willing to build something better.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore the difference between using technology to make school more efficient… and using it to make learning more personal.

They’re joined by Dr. Garland Thomas-McDavid, CEO of Brooklyn LAB Charter School, whose leadership is grounded in lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what students can achieve. At Brooklyn LAB, technology isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about expanding what’s possible for students.

From STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way to adaptive learning tools and real-world problem solving, this conversation highlights how intentional design—not just devices—can unlock student potential. And just as importantly, it reminds us that relationships, culture, and purpose must remain at the center.

In This Episode:

• Technology as an enabler—not a replacement—for teaching and learning
• The difference between efficiency vs. personalization in ed tech
• How Brooklyn LAB uses STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way
• Real-world, hands-on learning through engineering and biomedical programs
• Balancing screen time, focus, and student engagement
• The importance of adult courage in adopting new tools and practices
• Why relationships remain the foundation of powerful learning environments

Key Takeaway: Technology doesn’t transform schools on its own—intentional design does. When used thoughtfully, it can personalize learning, expand opportunity, and empower students without losing the human connection that matters most.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore what happens when schools trust young people with real responsibility. They’re joined by Dan Porter, an experienced educator and leader at Kwiyagat Community Academy, alongside student Naomi Cowboy.

Rooted in partnership with the local Ute community, Kwiyagat was created to address a critical need: a school where Indigenous students are seen, supported, and connected to their culture. Through language, storytelling, and community-based learning, students are not only building academic skills—they’re developing identity, confidence, and voice.

From capstone projects tackling real community issues to students learning directly from elders, this episode highlights a powerful shift: when students are treated as contributors, not just learners, education becomes deeply meaningful.

Guests:

• Dan Porter, Leader, Kwiyagat Community Academy
• Naomi Cowboy, Student, Kwiyagat Community Academy

Hosts:

• Vashaunta Harris
• Jim Goenner
• Guest Host: Don Cooper

In This Episode:

• Rethinking adolescence: from compliance to contribution
• The founding of Kwiyagat Community Academy and its community roots
• Revitalizing Ute language and culture through education
• Student capstone projects and real-world problem solving
• The role of elders, storytelling, and identity in learning
• Measuring success beyond academics: belonging, voice, and resilience

Key Takeaway: When students are grounded in culture, trusted with responsibility, and given a voice, they don’t just prepare for the future—they help shape it.

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, sit down with Amy Junge (Education Evolving) and Dr. Julie Cook (Teacher Powered Schools Network) to explore a growing movement redefining the teaching profession.

Across more than 300 schools nationwide, teacher-powered models are shifting decision-making from top-down systems to collaborative teams of educators. From hiring and budgeting to curriculum and culture, teachers are not just implementing decisions—they’re making them.

Julie brings this model to life through her experience at Souderton Charter School Collaborative, where co-teaching, shared leadership, and collective responsibility create a dynamic, student-centered environment.

The result? Stronger teacher retention, deeper professional ownership, and learning experiences that better meet students’ needs.

This episode challenges a core assumption in education—and offers a powerful alternative: when teachers are trusted as professionals, schools—and students—thrive.

Guests:

• Amy Junge, Senior Director, Teacher Powered Schools (Education Evolving)

• Dr. Julie Cook, Teacher Leader, Souderton Charter School Collaborative

In This Episode:

• What “teacher-powered” schools really are

• How shared leadership changes school culture

• The shift from compliance to professional ownership

• Co-teaching, collaboration, and distributed decision-making

• Why teacher retention improves in this model

• What this means for the future of school design

Key Takeaway: When teachers have the authority to lead—not just implement—schools become more responsive, collaborative, and effective for students.

Joined by Alastair Pullen, Executive Director of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, the conversation brings educational pluralism to life—showing how public education can reflect the unique values and needs of the communities it serves. What began as a parent-driven vision in Grant Park has grown into a thriving, community-rooted school where learning extends far beyond the classroom.

At ANCS, students engage in constructivist, experiential learning—from cultivating food on a school farm to designing real-world projects tied to their interests. The result? Students who don’t just attend school—they want to be there. As one student put it: “I get to go to school.”

Through this conversation, the Institute team highlights a powerful idea: when schools are intentionally designed around relationships, collaboration, and student identity, motivation isn’t forced—it emerges.

Episode Highlights

• Educational pluralism and why public education shouldn’t look the same everywhere

• The origin story of a parent-founded, community-driven school

• How constructivist and experiential learning shapes student engagement

• Why culture is built through relationships, morning meetings, and advisory systems

• The impact of collaborative teaching teams and high retention

• What it means when students say, “I get to go to school”

From there, we travel to Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, NJ) with Dr. Colin Hogan, Pavit Thakkar (8th grade), and Mrs. Thakkar (parent). Hear the “before/after” moment: a bold acceleration decision—supported by a trial period, mentoring, and family partnership—designed to increase challenge without sacrificing belonging.

In the reflective synthesis, Don connects the story back to the charter idea: autonomy used not for novelty, but to build civic infrastructure—schools that create the conditions where excellence and human flourishing can thrive. Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library. 

• Featured school: Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, NJ)—a diverse, community-rooted model approaching its 30th anniversary (2027). 
• Guests: Dr. Colin Hogan (Head of School), Pavit Thakkar (8th grade student), Mrs. Thakkar (parent partner).
• Season frame: Season 4 asks what the charter idea still makes possible—pluralism, innovation, democratic purpose, and intentional design tradeoffs.
• Reading anchor: Kolderie, Split Screen — “Above All, Try Personalized Learning to Maximize Student Motivation.” 
• Classroom story hook: Pavit’s acceleration experience (4th → 6th) reveals personalization as a careful, supported system—not a one-off decision.
• Design tradeoff explored: increasing academic challenge while protecting social belonging (trial period, peer mentor pairing, counselor supports, and ongoing feedback loops).
• Personalization structures: learning lab supports, flexible acceleration, teacher collaboration, and mechanisms that respond to students in real time—so motivation can emerge rather than be manufactured.
• Reflective synthesis: Don and Jim zoom out to the civic purpose of autonomy—structure matters, design matters, freedom matters—when schools are built around learners instead of forcing learners to conform.

What does innovation in education really mean?

In Episode 3, the conversation challenges a common assumption: innovation isn’t always about inventing something entirely new — it’s often about trying, improving, and adapting what works.

Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, and guest host Don Cooper explore key ideas from this week’s readings, including the tension between uniformity and pluralism and the role of innovation happening closest to students — in classrooms, not policy.

Then, they turn to practice.

Joined by Michelle Trojan of Intrinsic Schools in Chicago, the episode highlights a school where innovation is not a program — it’s a mindset. From its Montessori-inspired design to its team-teaching “pod” model and flexible use of time, Intrinsic continuously evolves to meet student needs.

Students take ownership of their learning through structures like C Day, where they choose academic support, enrichment, and leadership opportunities based on real-time data and personal goals. The school also expands what success looks like — connecting students to careers, trades, college pathways, and real-world experiences.

Michelle’s story brings it full circle: leading a school in the same neighborhood where her own family once struggled to find the right educational fit — now creating access and opportunity for the next generation.

As Don reflects, Intrinsic embodies a core truth: innovation happens closest to the problem — and closest to students.

• Theme: Innovation as Iteration — Trying, Improving, Adapting • Readings:

• Kolderie: Innovation is Schools and Teachers Trying New Things

• Berner: Uniformity vs. Pluralism

• Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: Intrinsic Schools (Chicago, IL)

Key Model Elements: • Team-teaching “pod” structure (gen ed + special ed collaboration) • Montessori-inspired design adapted for secondary students • Flexible learning spaces and real-time data use • Weekly “C Day” for student choice, support, and enrichment

Student Experience: • Ownership of learning through goal-setting and choice • Exposure to careers, trades, and postsecondary pathways • Networking nights, career shadowing, and partnerships • $1.5M annual scholarship support + alumni coaching

Big Ideas: • Innovation is continuous improvement, not one-time change • Pluralism allows schools to reflect different student needs and communities • Structure — not just choice — shapes what’s possible in education • Schools should prepare students to be confident, capable contributors to society

#BoldByChoice

In Episode 2, we move from theory to practice — exploring how the democratic purpose of education comes to life inside real schools.

Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, and guest host Don Cooper are joined by Belicia Reaves of Two Rivers Public Charter School, a community-rooted school designed around inquiry, diversity, and shared responsibility.

From preschoolers designing and building a bench for their school garden to middle school students leading service projects across their city, this conversation highlights how students learn democracy by practicing it — through real problems, real decisions, and real relationships.

Belicia shares how Two Rivers was founded to meet a deeper civic need: developing not just academic skills, but compassionate, responsible citizens. Through project-based learning, student-led conferences, and a strong culture of “crew, not passengers,” the school intentionally builds both individual agency and collective responsibility.

Together, the hosts reflect on a central tension in public education: how to balance family choice with shared norms, and how schools can serve as true civic infrastructure — preparing students not just for careers, but for participation in community and democracy.

As Belicia reminds us, when schools are designed with purpose, students don’t just learn about the world — they learn how to shape it.

• Theme: The Democratic Purposes of Public Education • Reading: Rediscovering the Democratic Purposes of Education (Moe, Ch. 6) • Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: Two Rivers PCS (Washington, D.C.)

Host Framing Questions: • What is most misunderstood about democracy’s role in education today? • Are schools designed as democratic institutions—or delivery systems? • What did chartering originally make possible around voice, pluralism, and participation? • What tensions do schools avoid: choice vs. coherence, diversity vs. consistency? • What would change if we truly designed schools for democratic purpose?

In Practice at Two Rivers: • Inquiry-based, project-based learning • Diverse, community-rooted design • “Crew, not passengers” culture • Students solving real problems (garden bench project) • Middle school service learning grounded in civic engagement • Student-led conferences and standards-based grading

Big Ideas: • Democracy is learned through participation, not abstraction • Schools can serve as civic infrastructure • Balancing family choice with shared community values • Preparing students to be active participants in society

#BoldByChoice

Season 4 of Bold by Choice begins with a new lens. Rather than focusing only on individual schools, this season explores the ideas behind the charter movement — the thinking that makes new and different kinds of public schools possible.

The charter idea was never meant to create a separate sector of education. It was intended to introduce pluralism, innovation, and new possibilities within public education, allowing educators and communities to design schools around how students actually learn.

In this opening episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner are joined by guest host Don Cooper to frame the season’s central question: What does the charter idea make possible today? Drawing on foundational readings including Reinventing America’s Schools and other core texts shaping the season, the hosts explore how chartering emerged as a movement to rethink the structure and purpose of public education.

To bring those ideas to life, the conversation turns to High Tech High in San Diego, one of the country’s most influential project-based public charter schools.

Director Brett Peterson reflects on the founding purpose of High Tech High — responding to concerns that students were graduating without the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed for the modern world. High Tech High responded with bold design choices: integrated courses, project-based learning, exhibitions of student work, and strong relationships between teachers and students.

Junior Isabella Coralez shares the student perspective, describing how internships, projects, and integrated coursework connect learning to the real world and help students see themselves as creators, problem-solvers, and contributors.

Together, the hosts and guests explore the tradeoffs behind intentional school design — including High Tech High’s choice to prioritize project-based learning and authentic demonstrations of learning rather than traditional structures like AP course tracks.

The episode closes with a reflective conversation about what High Tech High reveals about the charter idea itself: that the true promise of chartering lies in creating space for educators to design schools differently while remaining accountable to students, families, and communities.

Season 4 invites listeners to think deeply about the future of public education — not by searching for a single model to replicate, but by exploring the ideas that make meaningful innovation possible.

• Season Theme: The Charter Idea Today — What’s Possible • Chartering as a movement for educational pluralism, not simply a sector of schools • Core reading: Reinventing America’s Schools by David Osborne • Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: High Tech High — San Diego, California • Key design elements:

• Project-based learning

• Integrated coursework

• Small schools and teaching teams

• No academic tracking

• Student exhibitions and real-world projects • Student voice: learning connected to community, internships, and authentic problem-solving • Tradeoffs in school design and why intentional choices matter • Season 4 explores pluralism, innovation, student agency, and the evolving charter idea

#BoldByChoice

In this episode of Bold by Choice, we travel to St. Louis to spotlight City Garden Montessori School — a public charter school built on the belief that Montessori education should be accessible to every child.

CEO Christie Huck shares the story of how City Garden began — not as an education reform initiative, but as a group of parents asking a powerful question: What kind of school do our children and our city truly deserve? What began with living-room conversations and a tiny preschool eventually grew into a public charter school serving more than 600 students across early childhood, elementary, and adolescent programs.

Grounded in the Montessori philosophy, City Garden creates prepared environments where students build independence, responsibility, and a deep love of learning. In classrooms filled with hands-on materials, collaboration, and student ownership, children learn not just academics — but how to care for their community and for one another.

City Garden reminds us that when schools trust children’s curiosity and design learning environments around their humanity, extraordinary things can happen.

Stay Bold by Choice.

• Season 3 Partner: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition • City Garden Montessori School — St. Louis, Missouri • Montessori philosophy: autonomy, independence, and individualized learning • Prepared environments designed for beauty, order, and student ownership • Public charter model expanding Montessori access to diverse families • Grew from 53 students in 2008 to more than 600 students today • Teachers undergo rigorous Montessori certification and training • Students stay in multi-year classroom communities, strengthening relationships • Student lesson of the year: children show profound compassion and care for one another in times of hardship

#SchoolBrag

In this episode of Bold by Choice, we head to Altadena, California, to spotlight Odyssey Charter Schools — a community built around active learning, strong relationships, and a workshop model designed for how students actually learn.

This season, in partnership with the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, we’re highlighting intentionally designed public schools across the country. Odyssey lives deeply into that promise — centering student voice, social-emotional well-being, and academic rigor in equal measure.

Operational leader Rachelle Martinez shares how behind-the-scenes leadership shapes students’ daily experience — from navigating renewal years ago to leading through COVID and the devastating Eaton fire. Through it all, Odyssey remained focused on what mattered most: creating safe, responsive spaces where students feel known and supported.

We explore the school’s workshop model, restorative practices like the Peace Path, and beloved traditions like Stone Soup Day — all grounded in community, collaboration, and resilience.

Odyssey reminds us that great schools aren’t accidental. They are built — and rebuilt — on purpose.

Stay Bold by Choice.

• Season 3 Partner: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition • Odyssey was founded in 1999 to challenge one-size-fits-all instruction • Workshop model: mini-lessons + collaborative learning + “organized chaos” • Responsive Classroom & restorative practices embedded from TK • Peace Path conflict resolution system across campus • Stone Soup Day community tradition rooted in collective responsibility • Led through COVID and the Eaton fire with a focus on safety and belonging • Operational leadership as a driver of student experience • Student lesson of the year: resilience, flexibility, and hope

#SchoolBrag

In this episode of the Bold by Choice Podcast, we travel to Brooklyn to spotlight Prospect Schools — one of New York City’s first intentionally integrated charter school networks, grounded in the International Baccalaureate framework and designed around inquiry, identity, and belonging.

This season, in partnership with the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, we’re highlighting schools that are intentionally diverse by design — and Prospect lives that commitment every day.

CEO Tresha Ward shares how her journey as the daughter of West Indian immigrants and a first-generation college student shaped her leadership and her commitment to ensuring students are not just college-ready, but life-ready. From shadowing students each year to building systems where every child is known by at least one adult, Tresha unpacks how intentional diversity and inquiry-driven learning prepare students to thrive in complex, global spaces.

Prospect reminds us that excellence and belonging aren’t opposites — they’re partners.

Stay Bold by Choice.

• Season 3 Partner: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition • Prospect Schools is one of NYC’s first intentionally integrated charter networks • Grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework • Students engage in interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning • CEO shadows students annually to lead through a student lens • Strong adult culture with 80%+ staff retention • Expanding focus on life-ready skills: digital literacy, financial literacy, college persistence & career preparation • Alumni partnerships supporting students beyond high school graduation

#SchoolBrag

What happens when language, culture, and belonging are treated as strengths — not barriers?

In this powerful episode of Bold by Choice, host Vashaunta Harris travels to Los Angeles to sit down with Gayle Nadler, co-founder and executive director of Multicultural Learning Center (MLC), a TK–8 public charter school that has been living out the promise of bilingual, inclusive education for more than 20 years.

Gayle shares the deeply personal story that shaped MLC’s design — from her fourth-grade experience being bused across Los Angeles into a bilingual classroom where she longed to belong, to the living-room conversations with her mother that led them to open a dual-language charter school during California’s ban on bilingual education (Proposition 227). Just days after opening, the school faced the national trauma of 9/11 — a moment that cemented MLC’s mission to prepare students to navigate a complex, interconnected world with empathy, confidence, and voice.

Listeners will hear how MLC’s two-way bilingual immersion model treats every student as a language learner, why cultural identity is central to academic success, and how classrooms are intentionally designed for joy, movement, collaboration, and inclusion. Gayle also reflects on alumni stories that reveal the long-term impact of the school — graduates who advocate across cultures, challenge injustice, and carry confidence into college, careers, and community life.

The conversation closes with reflections on leadership, balance, listening to students, and what it truly means to be bold in education.

Episode Highlights:

• A fourth-grade experience that inspired a lifelong commitment to belonging

• Founding a bilingual charter school during California’s ban on bilingual education

• Designing classrooms where language, culture, and identity are assets

• Alumni stories that reveal the long-term impact of dual-language learning

• A scholarship fund rooted in legacy, community, and giving back

• Leadership lessons on balance, accountability, and leading with heart

If you believe schools should reflect the world students live in — and help them thrive within it — this episode is for you.

Share this episode with someone who believes in bilingual education, inclusive design, and public schools built on love and purpose. And don’t forget to share your own #SchoolBrag story with us.

Until next time — stay Bold by Choice.

What does it look like when a public school is designed around a single, powerful question: What would it take for every student to be known, loved, and inspired academically?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner head to Baltimore to spotlight City Neighbors—a family of public charter schools that has spent nearly two decades proving what’s possible when creativity, authentic relationships, and student agency sit at the center of learning.

City Neighbors began not in a boardroom, but in a living room—where 17 families gathered around a quilt-covered table, dreaming up the best school they could imagine for their children. From that vision grew one of Maryland’s earliest charter schools, now expanded into three campuses serving nearly 900 students across two K–8 schools and a high school. The through-line has never changed: small communities, deep relationships, and learning that matters.

Mike Chalupa, Executive Director and founding leader, shares how his own middle-school experience—watching the clock tick toward dismissal—shaped his commitment to building schools where students don’t want learning to end. LaShawn Bowser, school leader at City Neighbors Hamilton, reflects on her journey from youth counseling to education and the moment she realized that how students experience their school day shapes everything else in their lives.

Together, they unpack what makes City Neighbors distinct:

• Public project-based learning grounded in real questions and real work

• Reggio Emilia–inspired design, treating students as capable, creative, and worthy of deep respect

• Arts integration as a core academic strategy

• Intentional physical spaces that signal calm, dignity, and collaboration

• Teacher autonomy and professionalism, where educators design learning with students, not just for them

Listeners hear powerful stories—from a student who learned she no longer had to change herself to fit school, to graduates who name the adults who loved them when it wasn’t easy, to projects that helped students see themselves as problem-solvers and creators in the world.

The conversation also pulls back the curtain on leadership: the hard days, the failures that become learning moments, and the long-game mindset required to do human-centered work well. As Mike and LaShawn remind us, this is journey work—and transformation doesn’t happen on a timetable.

This episode is a reminder that:

• Joy, beauty, and belonging are academic strategies

• Failure is an event, not an identity

• Great schools are built by communities brave enough to ask different questions

If you believe public schools can be places where students are fully themselves—brilliant, curious, messy, creative, and whole—this is a #SchoolBrag you won’t want to miss.

Listen in and be inspired by City Neighbors—where students are truly known, deeply loved, and academically inspired.

What if schools were designed around real children—their strengths, their differences, their pace, and their potential?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, we travel to Georgia to spotlight Tapestry Public Charter School, a middle and high school where neurodiversity isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated. Founded by parents seeking something better for their children, Tapestry was built as a fully inclusive learning environment where neurotypical and neurodivergent students learn side by side, supported by co-teachers, small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a deep culture of belonging.

Hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Dr. Matthew Tyson, Tapestry’s CEO, whose journey—from special education teacher to charter leader—has been shaped by a lifelong belief that a child’s zip code or learning style should never define their future. Growing up in a neurodiverse family and moving frequently across states, Dr. Tyson saw firsthand how uneven educational systems can be—and why schools must evolve.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Tyson shares powerful stories that bring Tapestry’s model to life, including:

• A former student once written off academically who went on to master college-level math

• Why “every classroom is a special education classroom—in the best way possible”

• How co-teaching, double planning periods, and student ownership fuel teacher retention and joy

• What it took to advocate at the Georgia State Capitol—and win bipartisan support—to expand charter access after years of district denials

• Why inclusion isn’t a program, but a belief system that shapes every decision

With a 100% graduation rate, a long waiting list, and a second campus opening in Clayton County, Tapestry shows what’s possible when schools center dignity, flexibility, and high expectations for every learner.

As Dr. Tyson reminds us, “It’s never the kids—it’s on us.” And when educators design with love, courage, and persistence, students don’t just succeed—they belong.

This is a true #SchoolBrag episode—one that challenges assumptions, honors student voice, and reimagines what inclusive public education can be.

Listen in and share with anyone who believes schools should work for all kids—not just some.

• Tapestry Public Charter School: https://www.tapestrycharter.org

• Diverse Charter Schools Coalition: Schools like Tapestry are proud members of DCSC

Our guest is Halis Kablan, Secondary Principal at Beehive Science and Technology Academy—a school that began nearly 20 years ago with just 150 students in the basement of an office building and has grown into a thriving K–12 STEM community serving nearly 880 students.

Beehive was founded on a bold belief: science and technology education is for everyone—especially immigrant, multilingual, and underrepresented students. Today, the school serves families from 48 countries, speaking 60+ languages, making it one of the most diverse school communities in Utah.

In this conversation, Halis shares his personal journey—from studying biology in Turkey and discovering teaching by chance, to dedicating 18 years to Beehive’s mission of equity through STEM. He reflects on what keeps educators committed for decades, why students want to come to school, and how hands-on learning unlocks joy, confidence, and passion.

You’ll hear powerful stories from inside Beehive’s classrooms, including:

• Students designing, testing, and launching hot air balloons and rockets

• Robotics teams competing at state, national, and international levels

• Alumni returning to mentor current students

• Teachers integrating STEM across every subject—from kindergarten through high school

• A culture where being “into STEM,” robotics, or D&D is celebrated, not sidelined

Beehive’s results speak for themselves: the school has been named a U.S. News & World Report Best High School multiple years in a row and ranked #1 in Utah for five consecutive years—all while staying rooted in community, collaboration, and love for students.

As Halis reminds us, the real measure of success isn’t just rankings—it’s when students come home excited to talk about their day, when shy learners find their voice, and when passion turns into purpose.

If you believe excellence doesn’t require perfect conditions—only clarity of mission—this episode is for you.

Share this conversation with an educator, leader, or parent who believes in STEM for all, culturally responsive education, and schools built on belonging.

And don’t forget to share your own #SchoolBrag story—we want to hear how your school is building possibility for students.

Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay in the community.

What happens when a school refuses to choose between academic rigor and student well-being?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, we travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to spotlight Valor Collegiate Academies—a nationally recognized, high-performing charter network designed around one bold belief: students thrive when their minds, bodies, and spirits are developed together.

Steven Palmer, a Teach For America alum and longtime Valor leader, shares how Valor was intentionally designed to address three urgent challenges facing students today:

• the academic opportunity gap,

• the student mental-health crisis, and

• growing polarization in our communities.

Rather than treating these as competing priorities, Valor built a student-centered, whole-child model that integrates rigorous academics with deep social-emotional learning, strong relationships, and student voice .

• How Valor empowers students through student-led “Changemakers” coalitions that elevate student voice and agency

• Why, daily feedback loops, coaching for every adult, and real-time support outperform waiting for year-end test scores

• How the Compass Model (mind, body, spirit) shows up in classrooms, circles, and culture every single day

• A powerful student story that illustrates what happens when educators refuse to blame children and instead ask, “What do they need right now?”

• Why families rate Valor so highly—and what a 9.08/10 family recommendation score says about trust, belonging, and joy

Steven also reflects on one of the simplest—and hardest—truths in education, passed down from a veteran teacher early in his career:

“Love the kids. You’ll figure the rest out.”

This conversation reminds us that great schools are not built on compliance or shortcuts. They’re built through intentional design, relentless care, and teams that refuse to give up on students—even when the work is hard.

As Steven puts it, when schools are at their best, they become places where students can say:

“I think I’m starting to love this school again.”

That’s not accidental. That’s leadership. That’s design. That’s Bold by Choice.

If this episode inspired you, share it with an educator or family member who believes schools can be places of joy, rigor, and belonging. And tell us your own #SchoolBrag—we want to hear about schools doing right by kids.

What happens when students aren’t just served by a school, but help design it?

In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Dr. Sundai Riggins, Head of School at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School in Washington, D.C., for a powerful conversation about student voice, belonging, joy, and whole-child design.

Dr. Riggins shares her journey as a career educator and the beliefs that shape Inspired Teaching’s model—where students are treated as co-designers, learning is inquiry-based, and joy is viewed as an act of resistance. From student-led theatrical productions and intersession experiences to small learning environments, two adults per classroom, and open feedback loops, this episode brings listeners inside a school community intentionally built with students, not just for them.

You’ll hear:

• How Inspired Teaching empowers students with agency, responsibility, and confidence, including backstage student leadership in school productions

• Why children’s individuality and energy are assets, not obstacles

• How academics and whole-child learning are balanced through inquiry, feedback, and flexible design

• Why mentorship, open practice, and community engagement are central to the school’s mission

• How love, relationships, and belonging serve as the school’s true “secret sauce.”

Dr. Riggins reminds us that students won’t be students forever—they’re future citizens. Schools, at their best, prepare young people not just to succeed academically, but to know their voices matter, to advocate for themselves, and to carry confidence beyond school walls

S3 E3

This is a conversation about designing schools that honor humanity, cultivate joy, and expand what’s possible when we trust students with real responsibility.

If this episode inspired you, share it with an educator or parent who believes schools should be built around curiosity, community, and care—and tell us your own #SchoolBrag story.

Stay bold. Stay mission-driven. Stay in the community.

Season 3 of Bold by Choice is all about schools worth bragging about—and this episode delivers.

We head to Rhode Island to spotlight Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP), a charter school network intentionally designed to bring together students from four neighboring but historically unequal communities. Across six campuses, BVP blends rigorous academics, joyful school culture, and a deeply rooted college-going mindset that begins early and lasts well beyond graduation.

Sarah Anderson shares how BVP’s integrated model, co-teaching approach, strong family partnerships, and intentional design help expand the circle of success for more students—academically, socially, and culturally.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Going beyond college prep to prepare students for life

• Designing integrated public schools with purpose

• Creating belonging alongside academic rigor

• Supporting teachers through collaboration and coaching

• Leading with pragmatism, optimism, and heart

Listen in, share with a colleague, and join us this season as we celebrate bold schools, bold leadership, and bold choices.

In this premiere episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Sonia Park and Ashley Heard, Executive Director and Deputy Director of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition (DCSC). Together, they explore how DCSC is leading a movement to design public schools that reflect the richness and diversity of their communities.

From its 281 member schools in 26 states and D.C. — serving over 120,000 students — to its 22 Communities of Practice and leadership programs (the Fellows and Explorers), DCSC is redefining what it means to be diverse by design.

Sonia and Ashley share how their backgrounds — from Philadelphia classrooms to Teach For America — shaped their calling to lead this coalition. Their “why” stories reveal how courage and clarity fuel bold leadership in education.

Jim’s Reflection: “When you know your calling, it gives you courage — and courage is contagious.”

DCSC is a member-driven network focused on peer learning, equity, and sustainability. Sonia and Ashley explain how they use data, research, and storytelling to strengthen schools and grow leaders who build belonging through design.

Key stats:

• 281 member schools across 26 states + D.C.

• 120,000 students served nationwide

• 22 Communities of Practice for shared problem-solving

• 19 new schools launched through the Fellows Program

• Annual Convening “Better Together” — an energizing national gathering of educators

DCSC’s member schools span diverse models — from IB to project-based learning — united by shared commitments to excellence, culture, and love. Sonia and Ashley introduce DCSC’s High-Quality, Inclusive, Diverse (HQID) framework, developed with members to define what “excellent and equitable” really looks like.

The coalition is more than an organization — it’s a movement of practitioners. Sonia and Ashley share how listeners can get involved, from joining Communities of Practice to attending DCSC’s next Annual Convening in Washington, D.C.

Bold Question: “What’s the boldest choice you’ve made as a school leader to keep your promise to students — and what did it teach you?”

“Chartering at its best is about community, vision, and equity. Sonia and Ashley remind us that being bold together means designing schools that don’t just reflect our world — they help build a better one.” — Vashaunta Harris

As Season Three begins, Bold by Choice will continue to spotlight diverse-by-design schools across the nation — schools that prove what’s possible when leaders choose courage, community, and creativity.

Until next time — stay bold, stay mission-driven, and stay in community.

From the earliest days of Massachusetts’ charter experiment, Linda Brown saw what was missing: a system to ensure that new schools were not just open, but excellent. She founded BES to meet that need—developing rigorous fellowships, training future leaders, and creating schools built on discipline, love, and results.

“Excellence is not accidental—it’s engineered through vision, discipline, and belief in what’s possible.” — Linda Brown

Brown’s philosophy pushed beyond authorization or enrollment numbers; she believed success was only real when students achieved world-class academic outcomes. Through her leadership, BES has launched and supported more than 50 schools nationwide, and her imprint can still be felt in classrooms where high expectations meet deep care.

“Poverty is not a limit on potential. The limits we accept are the ones we place on ourselves.” — Linda Brown, Founders Library Interview

Linda Brown didn’t wait for permission. When she saw no clear pathway for ensuring excellence in new charter schools, she built one—from scratch.

“If it doesn’t exist, build it. That’s what founders do.” — Linda Brown

Brown rejected the idea that innovation alone was enough. For her, rigor, accountability, and consistency were non-negotiables. She championed longer school days, family engagement, and relentless follow-through.

She challenged deficit thinking head-on. Her mission: to prove that literacy, access, and opportunity were the real game-changers, not circumstance.

BES’s Fellowship model was demanding by design—long hours, constant feedback, and the requirement to move to where the need was greatest. Those who finished the program emerged ready to found and sustain great schools.

For Linda, the win wasn’t authorization or funding—it was when third-grade reading and math scores outpaced district averages. Student results were the measure of excellence.

Don Cooper:

“Linda Brown’s story reminds us that excellence doesn’t emerge by accident—it’s engineered through vision, discipline, and belief in what’s possible.”

Vashaunta Harris:

“Her legacy lives on in every BES-trained leader and every classroom where high expectations meet deep care. To be bold by choice is to build systems that last.”

• Interview: Interview of Linda Brown

• Collection: The Linda Brown Collection

• Organization: Building Excellent Schools (BES)

• Founders Library – Main Archive: charterlibrary.org

Call to Action: If Linda Brown’s story inspired you, share this episode with a fellow educator or leader who believes in the power of excellence. Visit Building Excellent Schools or explore her oral history in the National Charter Schools Founders Library to learn more.

Closing Line: “Until next time, stay bold, stay mission-driven, and stay in community.”

Beginning in San Carlos, California — home of the state’s first charter — Shalvey describes how an unexpected lunch with Reed Hastings, then a tech entrepreneur and future Netflix CEO, turned into a decades-long partnership that changed public education. Together, they formed Californians for Public School Excellence, wrote new charter legislation, and set the stage for scalable, high-quality innovation in public schools.

From that collaboration came a quiet but revolutionary innovation: allowing a single nonprofit board to oversee multiple schools — an idea that would forever reshape how charters could operate and grow.

“An infinite number of charters all needing a board… was both inefficient and probably could create more problems with governance.” — Don Shalvey, Founders Library Interview

Don Shalvey’s policy insight — enabling multiple schools under one governing board — made Aspire Public Schools possible. That framework became the foundation for charter management organizations (CMOs) across the country.

“I think anybody who ever does school work has to be open to uncertainty as well as the sort of art of possibility.” — Don Shalvey

Shalvey didn’t work alone. He brought together teachers, policymakers, and innovators like Reed Hastings to turn policy into practice. It’s a model of bipartisan, collaborative reform still relevant today.

“It wasn’t just about law — it was about leadership, relationships, and being willing to try something new.” — Don Shalvey

Throughout his career, Shalvey saw himself as a learner first — curious, adaptable, and generous in sharing what worked. That humility created the conditions for scale without losing soul.

“She asked us for only one thing in return ever. And she’s like – just share everything openly with everybody.” — Don Shalvey, referencing the ‘share everything’ ethos that also shaped KIPP and Aspire.

The Aspire story is not just about a network — it’s about momentum. Shalvey’s work at Aspire, and later at the Gates Foundation, reminds us that sustainable reform starts with shared purpose, not just structure.

Vashaunta Harris:

“Don Shalvey didn’t just build schools; he built a bridge between sectors. His ability to see innovation not as a threat, but as an invitation, is something every leader can learn from.”

Don Cooper:

“That one clause — one board, multiple schools — may seem small, but it transformed the entire field. Don’s story is proof that policy design and human vision have to work hand in hand.”

• Interview: A School Founder’s History: Don Shalvey, Aspire Public Schools

• California Context: California’s Charter Schools Story

• 1992 Enabling Law: Senate Bill 1448, Chapter 781 (1992)

• Policy Background: Hart, Gary K. & Burr, Sue. “The Story of California’s Charter School Legislation.” Phi Delta Kappan (1996). Access required

• Founders Library – Full Archive: charterlibrary.org

David Levin, co-founder of KIPP, shares how one extraordinary educator, Harriet Ball, changed the course of his life — and in doing so, changed the course of public education. From his early struggles as a first-year teacher in Houston to his partnership with Mike Feinberg, Levin recalls the lessons Harriet taught him: “It’s never the kids,” “Meet them where they are,” and “Teach with love.”

What began as mentorship became a movement. Harriet’s famous classroom chant —

“You gotta read, baby, read. The more you read, the more you know. Knowledge is power. Power is freedom.” — inspired not only the name of KIPP, but a national philosophy of empowerment through learning.

Levin’s reflections remind us that at the heart of every bold reform is a human connection — one teacher passing the baton to another.

When a struggling teacher met a master educator, magic happened. Harriet Ball didn’t just teach lessons — she modeled joy, rigor, and unconditional love. Her mentorship turned frustration into inspiration and helped launch one of America’s most recognized charter school networks.

“She taught in 45 minutes what I had failed to teach all year long.” — David Levin

Levin credits Harriet with teaching him three enduring truths:

• It’s never the kids — success begins with the teacher’s mindset.

• Meet students where they are — academically and emotionally.

• Teach with love — even when students don’t make it easy.

These principles became the moral framework of KIPP, and countless schools were influenced by its model.

Harriet’s chant — “Knowledge is power. Power is freedom.” — became KIPP’s name and mantra. It also symbolized the larger idea behind chartering: that knowledge liberates, and educators have the power to reimagine how students learn.

Harriet’s only request was simple: “Share what I’ve taught you.” Levin and Feinberg carried that ethos forward, creating an open-door policy where any educator could visit KIPP schools, observe, and learn. That spirit of collaboration extended to partnerships with Uncommon Schools, Achievement First, and the creation of Relay Graduate School of Education — a modern relay of teaching excellence.

From Harriet’s fourth-grade classroom to KIPP’s national network and beyond, this story is about legacy — educators passing wisdom, courage, and compassion from one generation to the next.

“It’s never the kids. It’s on us.” — David Levin

Vashaunta Harris:

“This story resonates with me deeply as a former TFAer. Dave’s realization that ‘it’s not the kids — it’s me’ is one of the most powerful shifts any teacher can make. That mindset is where leadership begins.”

Don Cooper:

“Harriet Ball’s mentorship didn’t just shape KIPP — it reshaped the movement. Her lessons on joy, rigor, and love became the DNA of great teaching everywhere.”

Together, the hosts reflect on how mentorship, humility, and shared purpose continue to define the best of the charter movement — and how Harriet Ball’s legacy remains a guiding light.

Explore the stories and archives mentioned in this episode:

• A School Founder’s History: Dave Levin

• Interview of Richard Whitmire – The Founders

• The Founders – eBook PDF

• The Linda Brown Collection

• Pioneers and Practitioners: Freedom Preparatory Academy

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow educator who believes that knowledge is power — and that power is freedom. Subscribe to keep learning from the founders and the teachers who keep the torch lit.

Commissioned by The 74 Million and drawn from the archives of the National Charter Schools Founders Library, The Founders traces the rise of networks like KIPP, Uncommon, and Achievement First. Whitmire reveals that their shared success came from an open-source culture rooted in generosity — a legacy that began in Harriet Ball’s Houston classroom.

“The founders didn’t guard their playbooks—they swapped them.” — Richard Whitmire, Inside The Founders (Charter Library Interview)

Whitmire’s project began after a casual conversation with Don Shalvey, who encouraged him to look past test scores and policies. What started as a journalistic curiosity became a national chronicle of the people and relationships driving educational transformation.

“Don Shalvey said, ‘If you really want to know what happened, talk to the people who built it.’ That changed everything.” — Richard Whitmire

Whitmire found that the most effective charter networks didn’t compete — they shared everything: lesson plans, data, mistakes, and breakthroughs. Instead of guarding intellectual property, they lifted one another up.

“They were rivals for teachers and funding, but they shared their secrets anyway. It was collaboration that made them successful.” — Richard Whitmire, The Founders Interview Transcript

The culture of sharing began with legendary teacher Harriet Ball, whose mentorship of Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg inspired KIPP’s creation. Her only request: “Share what I’ve taught you.” That mindset became the DNA of the entire charter sector — generosity as a design principle.

Through these networks’ collaborative models, Whitmire witnessed schools where low-income students of color achieved at levels matching their affluent peers — what he called “one of the most hopeful, under-told stories in American education.”

Supported by an Emerson Collective Fellowship, Whitmire used the Founders Library archives to document a movement still unfolding. His conclusion? The future of education depends on leaders who share what works.

“Movements endure when people choose to collaborate instead of compete.” — Don Cooper “When we share what works, every child wins.” — Vashaunta Harris

In this episode, Whitmire reminds us that the real innovation behind chartering wasn’t just autonomy or accountability — it was community. The spirit of sharing, mentorship, and learning together remains one of public education’s most transformative forces.

Listen now, and explore The Founders Collection at the Charter Library.

Explore these featured resources from the episode:

• Interview of Richard Whitmire (Founders Library Collection)

• The Founders – eBook PDF

• A School Founder’s History: Dave Levin

• The Linda Brown Collection

• Pioneers and Practitioners: Freedom Preparatory Academy

This conversation isn’t just about history — it’s about the future. Together, the hosts look back on the movement’s biggest themes and ask how we can continue to honor the original charter promise: freedom, accountability, innovation, and equity.

They explore what’s next for chartering as a living, evolving idea — one that still challenges leaders to think differently about policy, people, and possibilities for kids.

What have the last 30 years of chartering taught us about policy, people, and kids? How do those lessons prepare us for the next generation of change?

Chartering was designed to make space for innovation. What have we learned from the compromises of the past — and how can we refine our frameworks for what’s next?

From pioneers to policymakers, chartering has always been fueled by people. What leadership traits stand out across decades of change?

Behind every law and policy are students whose lives have been transformed. How do we keep them — not politics — at the center of the story?

Echoing Ted Kolderie’s insight — “the solutions come from those closest to the action” — the conversation reaffirms that the next era of chartering will depend on listening to teachers, families, and communities.

Vashaunta Harris: “Chartering is not just about laws or policies — it’s about people seeing possibilities, taking risks, and creating something new for kids. Studying the past isn’t optional; it’s essential if we want to create a better future.”

Final Message: Season Two may end here, but the journey continues. Season Three will spotlight today’s charter innovators — the schools, boards, and leaders boldly living out the promise in real time.

Explore the people, papers, and policies that shaped 30 years of chartering through the Founders Library:

• Interview of Ember Reichgott Junge

• Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story

• The Founders: Inside the Revolution to Invent (and Reinvent) America’s Best Charter Schools

In this episode of Bold by Choice, co-hosts Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, Ember Reichgott Junge and Don Cooper spotlight the first generation of charter founders who didn’t just respond to the system — they reimagined it.

These leaders turned ideas into schools, blueprints into movements, and challenges into opportunities. Their approaches were diverse — entrepreneurial, justice-driven, classroom-centered — but all were bold by choice.

• Dave Levin – Co-founder of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), who turned one Houston classroom into a national model for academic rigor and character education.

• J.C. Huizenga – Founder of National Heritage Academies, who brought a business-minded approach to scaling quality and sustainability across public schools.

• Don Shalvey – Founder of Aspire Public Schools, one of the first CMOs, who partnered with entrepreneurs like Reed Hastings to pioneer scalable innovation.

• Linda Brown – Founder of Building Excellent Schools, who built leaders, not just schools—training hundreds of founders through her rigorous fellowship model.

• Roblin Webb – Founder of Freedom Prep in Memphis, who grounded her work in justice, equity, and the unwavering belief that Black students deserve excellence.

• Vision Meets Execution: The founders proved that laws don’t change lives — people do.

• Scale Requires Design: From CMOs to fellowships, structure became a tool for sustainability.

• Equity Is Innovation: Justice-centered schools redefined what it means to serve every child.

• Courage Is Contagious: Each founder’s risk paved the way for thousands of others.

As Jim and Vashaunta reflect, the first wave of charter founders reminds us that real innovation isn’t uniform — it’s courageous. The question for today’s leaders: Are we still as bold as they were?

Explore the stories and interviews mentioned in this episode through the Founders Library and the resources below:

• The Founders: Inside the Revolution to Invent (and Reinvent) America’s Best Charter Schools — by Richard Whitmire

• A School Founder’s History: Dave Levin

• Interview of J.C. Huizenga

• A School Founder’s History: Don Shalvey, Aspire Public Schools

• The Linda Brown Collection

• Pioneers and Practitioners: Freedom Preparatory Academy

• In Washington, D.C., Tom Nida and Jo Baker recall how two boards were formed to oversee charter schools—without a playbook, precedent, or even the word authorizer in common use.

• In Minnesota, Pat Sandro raises questions about district-based authorizing and whether districts were ever the right entities to serve as neutral stewards.

Together, these stories highlight the leadership, trial-and-error, and bold problem-solving it took to move chartering from policy on paper to practice in schools.

• Lead without a playbook – Early authorizers had no blueprint; they had to define the role as they went.

• Balance support and accountability – Even today, authorizers wrestle with being both partner and regulator.

• Question the structure – Minnesota’s district-based model raised conflicts of interest that still spark debate.

• Reimagine, don’t just repeat – Authorizing is not just compliance—it’s custodianship of the charter promise.

Explore the full oral histories and research in the Founders Library

• Interview of Josephine (Jo) Baker and Tom Nida

• Interview of Pat Sandro

• Interview of Robert (Bob) Mills, Ph.D.

• The Politics of Charter School Authorizing: The Case Study of New York by Jonas Chartock (2012) – Read here

Two very different contexts, two very different laws—but both fueled by bold leadership and a shared belief that public schools could do better for families.

• In Arizona, Lisa Graham Keegan helped craft one of the most independent charter laws in the country, creating new authorizing structures outside of district control.

• In North Carolina, Speaker Harold Brubaker and Senator Fountain Odom championed charters as opportunities, not attacks—navigating bipartisan politics and caps on growth.

Together, these stories show how courage, context, and coalition-building shaped the next wave of chartering in America.

• Why the 1990s were ripe for rapid state adoption of charter laws.

• The bold design choices that made Arizona’s law stand out nationally.

• North Carolina’s unique balance of competition and opportunity.

• Leadership lessons from Lisa Graham Keegan and Harold Brubaker.

• Founders Library – Oral histories, legislative documents, and original resources.

• Zero Chance of Passage by Ember Reichgott Junge – Get the book

• Arizona & NC Oral Histories – Explore interviews with Lisa Graham Keegan and Harold Brubaker.

You’ll hear directly from Governor John Engler of Michigan and Governor John Ellis (Jeb) Bush of Florida, who each pushed through historic charter school laws—though in very different ways.

• In Michigan, Engler leveraged executive power and structural reforms to make chartering a competitive force.

• In Florida, Bush and Ellis crafted a vision rooted in accountability and equity, building a new structure from scratch.

Together, these stories show how bold leadership, political courage, and strategic design helped transform state systems—and what today’s leaders can learn from their example.

• Governor Engler recalls how Michigan’s charter law passed despite resistance.

• Why Proposal A’s funding shift was a game-changer for Michigan schools.

• Jeb Bush and John Ellis reflect on Florida’s early law and its roots in accountability and family choice.

• How different political contexts produced unique models—and enduring lessons.

• Leadership takeaways: seize the moment, design for context, and act boldly when the system won’t change itself.

• Governor John Engler Special Address to the Michigan Legislature on Education (1993)

• James N. Goenner, The Origination of Michigan’s Charter Schools Policy: A Historical Analysis (2011)

• Interview of Richard McLellan (2020)

• Interview of Gov. John Engler (2022)

• Interview of John Ellis ("Jeb") Bush (2021)

👉 Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave us a review. Bold choices got us here—and bold leadership will keep us moving forward.

From California’s SB 1448 negotiated in a few days by bipartisan champions, to Colorado’s collaborative law shaped by Peggy Kerns, Bill Owens, and community stakeholders, this episode uncovers how vision, strategy, and political courage turned idea into policy.

Guests:

• Ember Reichgott Junge – author of Minnesota’s first charter law, movement pioneer

• Don Cooper – charter historian and civic leader

Whether you lead a school, work in policy, or just believe in educational innovation, join us to hear how these Western states blazed bold trails—and what their stories teach about leading change where you are.

California

• California's Charter Schools Story. (2019) https://charterlibrary.org/library/californias-charter-schools-story/
• [ACCESS REQUIRED] Hart, Gary K. and Burr, Sue. "The Story of California's Charter School Legislation." Phi Delta Kappan. (1996) https://www.jstor.org/stable/20405703?seq=1
• "Education Chairs Introduce 'Charter Schools' Bills". Press release from state Senator Gary K. Hart. (1992) https://charterlibrary.org/library/education-chairs-introduce-charter-schools-bills/
• Senate Bill 1448 Chapter 781. (1992). https://charterlibrary.org/library/senate-bill-no-1448-chapter-781/

Colorado

• Interview of Peggy Kerns and Alex Medler. (2019) https://charterlibrary.org/library/interview-of-peggy-kerns-and-alex-medler/
• Interview of Bill Owens. (2019) https://charterlibrary.org/library/interview-of-bill-owens/
• Comparison of Charter School Provisions, Minnesota Statute, California Statute, and 93-183. (1993) https://charterlibrary.org/library/comparison-of-charter-school-provisions-minnesota-statute-california-statute-and-sb-93-183-1993-02-09/
• Romer, Roy. State of the State Address (excerpt). (1993) https://charterlibrary.org/library/governor-roy-romer/

Listeners will hear clips from Senator Dave Durenberger and Jon Schroeder that capture the heart of this moment in history—when federal policymakers saw the potential for chartering to transform public education and chose to champion it. Together, the group unpacks how asking the right question at the right time, combined with strategic policy design, created the federal Charter Schools Program.

Episode Highlights:

• Senator Dave Durenberger’s powerful story of the question that sparked action.

• How “public service options” and state-level innovation became federal priorities.

• Jon Schroeder’s blueprint for funding and authorizing charter schools at scale.

• The crucial role of authorizers and why structure drives outcomes.

• Lessons in timing, collaboration, and coalition-building that still apply today.

Whether you’re a policy leader, authorizer, or educator, this episode offers a masterclass in how visionary questions and strategic action create the conditions for lasting systems change.

Listen now to learn how federal leadership made chartering a national priority—and how you can keep building on that legacy.

Resources & Show Notes:

• Founder’s Library — Explore the documents and oral histories from Senator Dave Durenberger and Jon Schroeder.

• 1994 Public School Redefinition Act Summary — Learn how the federal Charter Schools Program came to life.

• 2018 Conversation: Ted Kolderie & Ember Reichgott Junge

• Interview with Ember Reichgott Junge (2023)

• Creating the Capacity for Change by Ted Kolderie

Ember takes listeners behind the scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s, weaving together the context, opposition, compromises, and breakthroughs that led to the passage of the first charter school law in 1991. From the Nation at Risk report to Governor Rudy Perpich’s reforms, the Itasca Conference dinner napkin sketch, and finally the emotional “worst day of her career” that ended in legislative victory, Ember’s story reveals how bold leadership, persistence, and principled compromise created the conditions for change.

Episode Highlights:

• How A Nation at Risk and Governor Perpich’s reforms set the stage for chartering.

• The pivotal role of the Citizens League and Ted Kolderie in advancing bold ideas.

• Ember’s personal journey: navigating resistance from unions, moderates, and political allies.

• The tense final days of 1991, when the law nearly died — and then passed by just three votes.

• Leadership lessons from Ember’s story: compromise is not defeat, structure must change before strategy, and timing matters.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers timeless lessons in courage, resilience, and system redesign. Ember reminds us that laws aren’t just ink on paper — they’re ideas that can change lives.

Show Notes & Resources:

• Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story (2012)

• Remarks by Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge to the Democratic Leadership Conference (1991)

• “Involving Families in Education” – A White House Panel (1995)

• A Conversation between Ted Kolderie and Ember Reichgott Junge (2018): Chartering Origins | Why and How | Chartering Policy and Advocacy

  • https://charterlibrary.org/library/2018-kolderie-and-junge-discussion-part-1-chartering-origins/; Why and How https://charterlibrary.org/library/2018-kolderie-and-junge-discussion-part-2-chartering-why-and-how/; Chartering Policy and Advocacy https://charterlibrary.org/library/2018-kolderie-and-junge-discussion-part-3-chartering-policy-and-advocacy/

• Interview of Ember Reichgott Junge (2023)

• Brief Amici Curiae of Former Elected and Appointed Officials, St. Isidore v. Oklahoma (2025)

• Oklahoma Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville School v. Drummond Oral Argument

• Additional Reading: Chartering A Better Course (book); Zero Rights of Passage (available via donation — inquire through the Charter Library).

Listen now to uncover the true story behind the first charter school law — a story of vision, resistance, compromise, and bold leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• Why language matters: chartering as a verb, not a noun.

• Teacher leadership and the radical redesign of school roles.

• The “big boat/little boat” analogy and what it teaches us about innovation.

• Leadership lessons for today: redesign structures, empower teachers, and create space for small, nimble experiments.

Featured Archival Clips from the Charter Library Oral History: Ted Kolderie

Resources & Links:

• Zero Chance of Passage by Ember Reichgott Junge

• Creating the Capacity for Change (2004)

• Chartered Schools = Choices for Educators + Quality for All Students (1988 Citizens League Report)

• Making the School the Teachers’ School (2022)

Listen now and hear Ted’s words brought back to life—paired with reflections from the people who knew him best.

This episode pairs vivid storytelling with primary sources so you can follow along, explore the documents yourself, and share them with your teams.

Explore the primary sources

• National Charter Schools Founders Library (primary-source archive): https://charterlibrary.org/

• Al Shanker, National Press Club (1988): overview at the Founders Library: https://charterlibrary.org/library/albert-shanker-national-press-club-speech-1988/ 

• Ray Budde resources: https://charterlibrary.org/search/?_author=ray-budde&_author_list=ray-budde\

•  

  • Education by Charter (backgrounder / origins): https://www.educationevolving.org/files/Ray-Budde-Origins-Of-Chartering.pdf
  • Strengthen School‑Based Management by Chartering All Schools (1996): https://openlibrary.org/books/OL31401521M/Strengthen_school-based_management_by_chartering_all_schools
  • Kolderie essay on Budde’s origins (PDF): https://charterlibrary.org/library/ray-budde-the-origins-of-the-charter-concept-by-ted-kolderie/
  • Founders Library feature: “1988—The Launch of an Idea”: https://charterlibrary.org/library/1988-the-launch-of-an-idea/
• Ember Reichgott Junge’s book Zero Chance of Passage (Founders Library page): https://charterlibrary.org/zero-chance-of-passage-shop/

What we cover

• Ray Budde’s charter concept: Why a quiet academic proposed reorganizing authority by giving teacher teams contractual autonomy—and how that differed from traditional “program” reforms.
• Al Shanker’s second-wave reform: Why a national union leader called for teacher‑led, autonomous public schools—and how that reframed the conversation.
• From ideas to statute: How Minnesota’s Citizens League translated theory into policy architecture, paving the way for the first charter law.
• Politics, promise, and pushback: Early tensions, misperceptions, and the practical tradeoffs that shaped implementation.

Why it matters now Understanding chartering’s roots isn’t nostalgia—it’s navigation. Knowing the original intent (teacher power + public accountability) helps today’s leaders stay true to the promise while innovating for the future.

Takeaways

• Chartering began as a public‑school reform from within: autonomy with accountability.
• Real change scaled when local civic groups turned ideas into workable law and authorizers implemented with integrity.

Listen now and use the links above to dive deeper, brief your board, or kickstart PD with founding documents.

From the launch of the Founders Library exhibit to the stories behind the very first charter law, this episode connects past, present, and future—and invites listeners to consider their role in writing the next chapter.

Episode Highlights:

• The origin and significance of the Founders Library exhibit
• Reflections from Don Cooper and Ember Reichgott Junge on the early charter movement
• Why understanding history is essential to leading with clarity today
• A preview of Season 2 themes: legacy, leadership, and the future of chartering

Listen now to reflect on the movement’s roots and get inspired for what’s coming next!

Using a fictional (but all-too-familiar) scenario and a powerful basketball metaphor, the conversation explores what happens when roles blur and finger‑pointing replaces partnership. Alyson breaks down the unique responsibilities of each stakeholder—school leaders as the players, boards as the coaches, authorizers as the referees—and shares real-world stories of both failure and success.

Episode Highlights:

• The “three‑legged stool” of charter success: authorizer, board, and school leadership
• What each role is (and is not) responsible for during crisis and change
• How misalignment impacts students first—and how to spot early warning signs
• Real examples of authorizers, boards, and leaders working in true partnership
• Practical tips for building trust, clarity, and shared accountability across the ecosystem

When the system works as intended—each role playing its part with purpose and discipline—students win. But it takes intentional relationship‑building and a shared commitment to the charter promise.

Listen now to learn how clearly defined roles and trusted partnerships can transform schools from the boardroom to the classroom.

Don shares insightful stories and experiences from his extensive career, emphasizing how authorizers can play pivotal roles as thought partners, innovation drivers, and capacity builders. He challenges listeners to view compliance not as an end goal, but as a baseline for strategic, meaningful support that fosters transformative educational outcomes.

Listeners will gain practical advice on how to cultivate a supportive, human-centered approach in their work, creating robust, lasting relationships between authorizers and schools. Don highlights the importance of values-driven authorizing, the impact of tailored support for schools and students, and innovative ways higher education authorizers can uniquely empower and uplift their school communities.

Episode Highlights:

• Rethinking compliance as a floor, not a ceiling.

• Strategic approaches to supportive authorizing that prioritize human connections.

• Effective ways for authorizers to build meaningful relationships and trust with schools.

• Leveraging institutional resources in higher education authorizing to support schools and students.

• The role of continuous, values-driven improvement in the authorizing ecosystem.

Whether you're an authorizer, board member, school leader, or educator, this episode offers profound insights into how strategic support and innovative thinking can transform educational outcomes and strengthen the charter school ecosystem.

Listen now to discover the power of moving beyond compliance to meaningful, impactful partnerships!

Vashaunta, Jim, and Heather openly share their personal and professional experiences with school closures, offering listeners an honest look at the difficult realities and essential considerations that must guide these critical decisions. They address the reasons behind closures, from academic performance and finances to governance and enrollment challenges, while questioning whether communities truly have a meaningful voice in these decisions.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of handling closure with humanity, dignity, and transparency, ensuring that the impact on students, families, educators, and communities is handled with compassion and care. The hosts challenge listeners to view closure not merely as an end but as an opportunity for reflection, growth, and improvement within the educational ecosystem.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the complex reasons behind school closures.
• Ensuring community voices genuinely influence closure decisions.
• Defining what a healthy education ecosystem means.
• Best practices for handling closures humanely and compassionately.
• Transforming closures into opportunities for learning and systemic improvement.

Whether you're navigating a school closure or shaping policies that impact educational communities, this episode offers valuable insights and guidance to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage.

Listen now to discover how closure, though difficult, can still reflect your values and commitment to the communities you serve.

Together, they explore the deep meaning of renewal beyond compliance, framing it as a critical checkpoint that ensures schools keep their promises to students, families, and communities. Mary and Heather emphasize renewal as an opportunity to recalibrate, realign, and recommit to the shared vision of excellence and continuous improvement.

Listeners will discover how successful renewal practices balance accountability with grace, consider both qualitative and quantitative measures, and highlight ongoing storytelling to showcase a school’s journey authentically. Through vivid examples and compelling metaphors, the conversation illuminates how renewal, done right, strengthens trust, transparency, and long-term growth.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding renewal as a vital checkpoint for performance and community trust.
• Evolving practices in charter renewal toward clarity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Key considerations for renewal: academics, financial health, governance, leadership, and operations.
• Strategies for balancing accountability with support during challenging times.
• The role of storytelling in communicating renewal clearly and meaningfully to the broader community.

Whether you're a school leader preparing for renewal, an authorizer refining your renewal practices, or a board member guiding your school through critical milestones, this episode offers profound insights to help you navigate renewal effectively.

Listen now to understand how the renewal process can empower schools, honor promises, and drive future success!

Drawing from her extensive experience in governance and compliance at Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office, Alyson shares insights on how effective oversight can simultaneously uphold accountability and support innovation. She emphasizes the importance of clearly defined performance expectations, the benefits of relational versus transactional oversight, and how authorizers can foster trust and collaboration while ensuring schools meet their commitments to students and families.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for authorizers to maintain rigorous yet flexible oversight, recognize signs of responsible autonomy, and understand why building authentic relationships between authorizers and schools is crucial for sustained success. Alyson highlights how a supportive, values-driven approach can enhance educational outcomes and strengthen community trust.

✨ Episode Highlights:

• Defining autonomy and accountability within the charter school context.
• Effective oversight practices that respect school autonomy while ensuring accountability.
• Common oversight pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Lessons learned from historical oversight practices.
• Innovative approaches to oversight that foster continuous improvement and collaboration.

Whether you're an authorizer, board member, or school leader, this episode provides valuable perspectives and actionable advice to strike the right balance and enhance your oversight practices.

👉 Listen now to explore how oversight can empower innovation while safeguarding educational quality!

Mark Weinberg, a seasoned educator, school leader, authorizer, and advocate, guides listeners through essential first steps post-authorization, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning around facilities, hiring, governance, and community engagement. Drawing on real-world experience, Mark highlights common pitfalls, essential success factors, and strategies to foster effective school leadership and strong board governance from day one.

Listeners will discover how to navigate start-up pressures, overcome common challenges, and leverage the authorization phase to build a solid foundation for long-term success. Mark also encourages listeners to rethink traditional start-up processes, focusing not only on compliance but also on innovation, culture, and community engagement.

Episode Highlights:

• Immediate actions and priorities post-authorization.
• Defining and cultivating strong start-up leadership and governance.
• Avoiding common pitfalls through proactive planning.
• The role of authorizers and support organizations in school success.
• Balancing compliance with innovation and community-building.

Whether you're part of a founding team, an authorizer, or an education leader, this episode provides actionable insights to ensure a strong, sustainable school launch.

Listen now and equip yourself with the knowledge to successfully navigate authorization and start-up phases!

Heather emphasizes how effective charter applications are built around a clear, measurable vision and mission that resonate with communities. She shares practical insights on assessing founding teams, crafting rigorous academic plans, establishing strong governance, creating realistic financial strategies, and authentically engaging communities. Throughout the episode, listeners learn how authorizers and applicants can collaborate effectively to shape quality schools from day one, setting clear expectations and fostering innovation.

Episode Highlights:

• Crafting compelling, measurable mission statements and visions.
• Identifying readiness in founding teams and their capacities.
• Creating robust and realistic academic and financial plans.
• Ensuring community voice and genuine demand are central.
• Strategies for authorizers to make the application process transparent, supportive, and impactful.

Whether you're involved in writing, reviewing, or advising on charter applications, this conversation provides essential strategies and insights to build high-quality, thriving schools.

Listen now and gain actionable advice to transform your charter application process into a catalyst for excellence!

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. Bold leadership starts here. https://chartersinstitute.org/podcast/

Discover how thoughtful planning and clear alignment from the start help schools fulfill their promise to communities. Mary emphasizes key pitfalls to avoid, highlights indicators of long-term success, and stresses the importance of integrity and vision at every phase. This conversation underscores that a charter school is more than an institution; it's a promise made to students, families, and communities.

Episode Highlights:

• Essential components of effective design and planning.
• Criteria for strong charter applications and balanced authorizing.
• Critical success factors during school launch and early operations.
• Indicators of sustained achievement and continuous improvement.
• Considerations for responsible replication and expansion.
• Strategies for fair renewal and handling closure with integrity.

Whether you're an experienced charter leader or just beginning your journey, this episode equips you with powerful insights to transform student outcomes and strengthen your schools.

Listen now and join the conversation about making bold choices that truly matter!

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. Bold leadership starts here.

Vashaunta and Jim share personal stories that reveal their “why” — from Southern roots and sweet tea to bold ideas and boardroom breakthroughs. You’ll get to know who they are beyond their titles, and what drives their commitment to making leadership more human, hopeful, and honest.

They’ll also pull back the curtain on the National Charter Schools Institute — how it started, what it stands for, and how it supports leaders across the charter school ecosystem. You’ll hear about the spark that lit The Charter Network, the real-world needs it seeks to meet, and why this podcast is launching now — in a time where real connection, fresh ideas, and actionable support are more essential than ever.

Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s ahead in Season 1: Meet the Movement Builders, where each episode explores a key phase of the charter school life cycle and elevates the voices of the passionate people doing the work.

If you’re a school leader, board member, authorizer, or advocate looking for community, clarity, and real tools to move the work forward — this space is for you.

Listen in for:

• Candid introductions from Jim & Vashaunta
• The origin story of the National Charter Schools Institute
• The bold vision behind The Charter Network and this podcast
• What to expect this season (and why it matters)

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. Bold leadership starts here.

Bold By Choice Podcast home at National Charter Schools Institute https://chartersinstitute.org/podcast/