Going on Offense: Proactively Overcoming Political Obstacles
Charter schools often spend too much time responding to various attacks and fighting political fires. The most successful charter leaders have flipped this script by going on the offensive and turning potential threats into strategic advantages. This panel will highlight how innovative leaders are establishing partnerships to proactively address facilities disputes, navigate complex authorization processes, and build community support through strategic offensive action. Attendees will gain insights into successful charter petition and renewal strategies, as well as tips for engaging families and communities during challenging times.
When/Where:
Topic:
Format:
Presented by
CEO & Superintendent
Navigator Schools
Caprice has been the CEO/Superintendent of five charter public school systems ranging from 1,750 to 49,000 students and four to 85 sites and a board member of six more charters. She received the Coro Crystal Eagle for Excellence in Public Service, the CSU Los Angeles K-12 Educator of the Year award, and National Charter School Hall of Fame membership. She is the former president of the Los Angeles Board of Education (1999-2003) and the founding CEO of the CCSA. Education: Ed.D. UCLA; M.P.A. USC; and B.A. Yale University.
President
Larson Communications
Gary Larson is founder and president of Larson Communications, which specializes in helping charter schools across the nation communicate to the broader public. Larson has spent the past 26 years raising public awareness and support for the charter school movement. Larson’s team has advised charter school organizations nationally on dealing with the news media, and has spearheaded numerous media campaigns that have been covered by major national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA Today.
President and CEO
Orange County School of the Arts
Teren Shaffer is an award-winning arts leader, educator, and conductor, honored with distinctions such as The Kennedy Center Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award and the Arts Schools Network (ASN) Jeffrey Lawrence Award. He serves as President & CEO of Orange County School of the Arts and President of the California School of the Arts San Gabriel Valley Foundation, organizations collectively serving 3,500+ students, employing 800+ employees, and a collective budget of approximately $75+ million. A champion for arts education nationwide, Mr. Shaffer serves on the ASN Board and holds degrees from Chapman University and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
Head of School
Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS) Los Angeles
Vanessa Garza expertly translates student potential into success of self and beyond. With her data-driven leadership, teachers elevate their classroom instruction to ensure student mastery with a holistic approach. Ms. Garza was born and raised in Los Angeles and proud of earning her Masters in Education from UCLA while serving as a middle school teacher in LAUSD. Vanessa is 3rd gen Angeleno and a 1st gen college graduate from Tulane University.