Education Leadership
Orchestrated company start-up creating the Mission/Vision for effective program to remediate learning disabilities in K-8 low-performing students. Managed and trained staff of over 100 administrators, teachers and support personnel. Responsible for all fundraising activities for state and federal charter funding and start-up grants as well as procuring grants from foundations for technology and equipment. Coordinated with local district personnel, state DOE and federal special education departments for school operations and compliance. Set ambitious goal to return these academically challenged students into the educational mainstream without special education needs at grade level in reading, writing and math. Designed the eclectic curriculum for an integrated instructional program to directly address student deficits. Responsible for finding/building/upgrading school facilities and procuring financing for purchasing three school facilities. Applied and structured three individual 501(c)3 nonprofit corporations, one for each school.
- Procured state and federal FTE and start-up grant funding for opening and operating three charter schools with annual budgets of over $2MM annually.
- Successfully raised over $500,000 in private foundation grants to purchase technology and equipment.
- Procured acquisition funding with only 10% downpayment for two facilities at startup phase.
- More than doubled average annual student achievement gains in reading, reading comprehension and math based on nationally normed tests.
- Roughly one-fourth of students mainstreamed transcending need for special education services.
- Developed effective curriculum and school model for replication in public and private sectors.
- Opened and operated 3 innovative, effective charter schools with 100+ employees and 600+ students.
- Served as board member of Learning Disabilities of America – Florida to guide efforts to better serve children with learning disabilities throughout Florida.
- In demand as public speaker and trainer on education and charter school issues.
