Charter School Insider: The Business of Running Schools

Chronic absenteeism has surged in schools post-COVID, creating significant challenges for student success. In this episode, The Charter School Insider Podcast host Daniel Casselli sits down with Alastair Dawe, COO at University Preparatory Schools, to discuss how his team tackled attendance issues head-on. From crafting a school-wide culture of attendance to implementing data-driven incentives and intervention strategies, Al shares the journey that moved University Prep’s attendance rates back toward pre-pandemic levels. Tune in for actionable insights on driving student engagement and attendance in your school community.

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Charter school boards are responsible for overseeing multimillion-dollar organizations, yet most only meet for 20 hours a year. So how do the best boards ensure effective governance? The answer: committees. In this episode, The Charter School Insider Podcast welcomes Mike Mizzoni, Chief Governance Officer at BoardOnTrack, to break down the key role committees play in school leadership. Mike shares practical strategies to move beyond “paper committees” and establish high-functioning teams that drive real impact. From finance and governance to CEO support, we explore the committees every charter school needs—and how to make them work.

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Managing school facilities isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about creating spaces that inspire learning and reflect a school's mission. In this episode, The Charter School Insider Podcast welcomes Raymie Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer at Dream Charter School, to unpack the strategic side of facilities planning. With a background in operations and instructional leadership, Raymie shares how Dream transformed an abandoned ice factory into one of the world’s most stunning school campuses and offers insights into navigating capital projects, facility design, and long-term maintenance planning.

From proactive facilities management to ensuring alignment with organizational goals, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for charter school leaders looking to expand and improve their campuses.

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Finding and retaining great educators is one of the biggest challenges in charter schools today. In this episode, Daniel Casselli sits down with Josh Czupryk, the creator of Josh’s K12 Job Blast, a go-to resource for educators exploring new career opportunities. Josh shares his journey from being a teacher and charter school leader to running a widely used job board that connects transitioning educators with their next role.

The conversation dives deep into why teachers are leaving, what they truly want beyond higher salaries, and how school leaders can be proactive in retaining top talent. Josh also shares insights from over 80,000 job postings, revealing hiring trends and practical strategies that charter school executives can use to build stronger, more sustainable teams.

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In this captivating episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Dr. Sarper Turker, a visionary leader in education, to discuss his impressive turnaround story at Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools. Dr. Turker shares how he took a struggling school with a 15% staff retention rate and transformed it into a thriving institution with an astonishing 95% retention rate. With a focus on leadership and shifting mindsets, this episode dives deep into the strategies and tactics that led to a cultural transformation, improved staff morale, and better overall school performance. If you're a charter school leader looking for actionable advice to elevate your institution, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli sits down with Ru Sharma, Chief People Officer at Achievement First. With a professional background spanning global giants like Coca-Cola and Amazon, Ru brings a fresh perspective to the unique challenges of building and leading a people team at one of the nation’s largest charter school networks. Ru shares candid insights into navigating leadership gaps, fostering a high-functioning people team, and reimagining talent management strategies for the charter school sector. Tune in to explore a flywheel approach to student achievement and strong lasting teams.

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In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli dives into the intricate world of charter school operations with Tom Tafoya, Chief Operating Officer at Visions in Education. Spanning 9,200 square miles without a single physical classroom, Visions has redefined procurement processes to serve over 7,500 students annually. From adopting innovative technologies to partnering with vendors like Amazon Business, Tom shares how Visions scaled operations, optimized efficiencies, and eliminated barriers for families and teachers across Northern California. This conversation is a masterclass in overcoming logistical challenges with entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking strategies.

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In this conversation, Daniel Casselli and Zainab Ali discuss the critical issue of teacher retention in K-12 education, particularly within charter schools. Zainab shares insights from a recent research report conducted by the Charter School Growth Fund, highlighting the importance of executive team culture, effective change management, and the need for ongoing support and development for principals and teachers. The discussion emphasizes that retaining teachers requires a multifaceted approach, including listening to staff feedback, investing in leadership, and maintaining high standards for recruitment.

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Did you know over $100 million in E-Rate funding for charter schools is about to disappear? This episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast is your ultimate crash course on E-Rate. Host Daniel Casselli dives into this critical topic with experts Cari Warnock and Dave LeNard from CDW, a BuyQ-awarded vendor specializing in education technology. Together, they demystify E-Rate, explaining its two funding categories, eligible services, and the step-by-step process schools need to follow to secure funding.

If your school hasn't tapped into these funds, now's the time to act. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, integrate E-Rate into your broader financial strategy, and ensure your students benefit from the resources they need for digital learning.

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Join Yeime Valle, Executive Director of Brilla Public Charter Schools, as she shares how her team tackled financial challenges by developing a tiered budgeting strategy. In this episode, Yeime and host Daniel Casselli explore the power of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and staying mission-focused in the face of tough decisions. Perfect for school leaders seeking actionable insights on sustainability and leadership.

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