<description>This week is different from anything we have done. In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” podcast, Shawn sits down and talks with a student, Miller Millea, at East Mountain High School in New Mexico. Miller has been around charter schools his whole life because his mom is a teacher at East Mountain but did not attend a charter school until high school. Miller is a senior and part of many different activities at East Mountain.

Miller and Shawn talk about what challenges East Mountain faces being in a rural area. They also discuss some of the positives with the area as well. The bulk of the episode is discussing student advocacy. East Mountain opened in 2000 and one of the classes was called “advisory” - a class dedicated to student advocacy. This class is used for students to share their voices and opinions to help improve the school. Miller and the student advocacy board have spent a lot of time going to board meetings and meeting with legislators to help support charter schools and charter school growth. 

Miller also shares his future dreams where he intends to continue to focus on charter school success. By getting a degree in public policy education or political science - so he can continue to help charter schools get the community support they deserve.

This is an episode you do not want to miss!

Show Notes:

East Mountain High School https://eastmountain.org/ 
</description>

This week is different from anything we have done…

This week is different from anything we have done. In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” podcast, Shawn sits down and talks with a student, Miller Millea, at East Mountain High School in New Mexico. Miller has been around charter schools his whole life because his mom is a teacher at East Mountain but did not attend a charter school until high school. Miller is a senior and part of many different activities at East Mountain.

Miller and Shawn talk about what challenges East Mountain faces being in a rural area. They also discuss some of the positives with the area as well. The bulk of the episode is discussing student advocacy. East Mountain opened in 2000 and one of the classes was called “advisory” - a class dedicated to student advocacy. This class is used for students to share their voices and opinions to help improve the school. Miller and the student advocacy board have spent a lot of time going to board meetings and meeting with legislators to help support charter schools and charter school growth. 

Miller also shares his future dreams where he intends to continue to focus on charter school success. By getting a degree in public policy education or political science - so he can continue to help charter schools get the community support they deserve.

This is an episode you do not want to miss!

Show Notes:

East Mountain High School https://eastmountain.org/ 


#74 East Mountain High School | Miller Millea

<description>
In this episode, Jenna interviews Brian Myrup, Managing Director, at York Preparatory Academy in Rockhill, SC. With over 20 years of experience, Brian shares his journey and what makes York Preparatory Academy unique. He also shares some tips and tricks on things charter school administrators could benefit from.

Over 20 years ago in Colorado, Brian started as a 4th/5th grade teacher. While going to school for his masters degree and writing a paper on school choice, he fell into the world of charter schools. Starting at Raegan Academy in Springville, UT for 10 years before transitioning to a director position at York Preparatory Academy 10 years ago. 

York Preparatory Academy is a K-12 charter school. One thing that makes them unique is the fact that students stay there for all 13 years of school. This creates strong relationships with students and their families. The teachers at York Preparatory Academy uniquely target individual student needs. One focus of York Preparatory is to make sure the students graduate with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed. 

Not only is student success important, but so is teacher success. There is a teacher wellness program in place that helps to remove some stressors off the teachers. Focusing on physical, emotional, mental and financial wellness. Thriving in place is a goal for the staff at York Preparatory Academy.

From understanding local charter school laws to building strong relationships. There are so many pieces of good advice in this episode, it is one you do not want to miss!

Time Stamps:

00:23 How did you get started in the charter school world?

1:23 How did you end up in South Carolina?

2:28 What makes York Preparatory Academy Unique?

3:45 Challenges and how you overcame them?

5:07 How do you hire the right teachers?

6:36 How do you make sure your vision is followed?

9:27 Have you seen increased teacher retention from your wellness program?

9:50 Any advice for people looking to start a teacher wellness program?

10:48 What big changes have you seen while you have been there?

12:30 How do you encourage the parent relationship?

13:50 Tips for Charter School Administrators?

15:30 What changes in laws have you seen?

16:39 If you could change anything in the last 20 years of your journey, what would you change?

17:59 What changes do you hope to see in the next 10 years at York Preparatory?

19:30 How do you implement life skills with students?

21:06 Any book recommendations?

22:20 Final thoughts/advice?

Show Notes:

York Preparatory Academy https://www.yorkprepsc.org/ 
“Teach Like A Champion” by Doug Lemov https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Champion-Techniques-Students/dp/0470550473
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins https://a.co/d/iNjvRlF
“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall
</description>


In this episode, Jenna interviews Brian Myrup, M…


In this episode, Jenna interviews Brian Myrup, Managing Director, at York Preparatory Academy in Rockhill, SC. With over 20 years of experience, Brian shares his journey and what makes York Preparatory Academy unique. He also shares some tips and tricks on things charter school administrators could benefit from.

Over 20 years ago in Colorado, Brian started as a 4th/5th grade teacher. While going to school for his masters degree and writing a paper on school choice, he fell into the world of charter schools. Starting at Raegan Academy in Springville, UT for 10 years before transitioning to a director position at York Preparatory Academy 10 years ago. 

York Preparatory Academy is a K-12 charter school. One thing that makes them unique is the fact that students stay there for all 13 years of school. This creates strong relationships with students and their families. The teachers at York Preparatory Academy uniquely target individual student needs. One focus of York Preparatory is to make sure the students graduate with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed. 

Not only is student success important, but so is teacher success. There is a teacher wellness program in place that helps to remove some stressors off the teachers. Focusing on physical, emotional, mental and financial wellness. Thriving in place is a goal for the staff at York Preparatory Academy.

From understanding local charter school laws to building strong relationships. There are so many pieces of good advice in this episode, it is one you do not want to miss!

Time Stamps:

00:23 How did you get started in the charter school world?

1:23 How did you end up in South Carolina?

2:28 What makes York Preparatory Academy Unique?

3:45 Challenges and how you overcame them?

5:07 How do you hire the right teachers?

6:36 How do you make sure your vision is followed?

9:27 Have you seen increased teacher retention from your wellness program?

9:50 Any advice for people looking to start a teacher wellness program?

10:48 What big changes have you seen while you have been there?

12:30 How do you encourage the parent relationship?

13:50 Tips for Charter School Administrators?

15:30 What changes in laws have you seen?

16:39 If you could change anything in the last 20 years of your journey, what would you change?

17:59 What changes do you hope to see in the next 10 years at York Preparatory?

19:30 How do you implement life skills with students?

21:06 Any book recommendations?

22:20 Final thoughts/advice?

Show Notes:

York Preparatory Academy https://www.yorkprepsc.org/ 
“Teach Like A Champion” by Doug Lemov https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Champion-Techniques-Students/dp/0470550473
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins https://a.co/d/iNjvRlF
“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall


#73 York Preparatory Academy | Brian Myrup

<description>In this episode, Dallan sits down with Ken Monroe, CEO of BChex and host of The Bad Hire Podcast. This conversation has been months in the making — after first connecting at the NC Association of Public Charter Schools Conference in July, Dallan traveled to Huntersville, NC to record both podcasts in person! 

Ken shares valuable insight into how BChex helps charter schools ensure a safe and secure environment through effective background screening. As he explains, people are the key to every organization’s success — and making the right hiring decisions starts with knowing who you’re bringing on board. 

Learn how BChex’s innovative platform, Screening Hero, empowers schools to confidently and correctly screen staff and volunteers, and why Ken believes every school should have an expert in screening. BChex’s mission is simple but powerful: to create safer schools through prevention and education. Don’t miss this episode filled with practical advice, industry expertise, and actionable steps to strengthen your school community.

Show Notes:

BChex https://www.bib.com/</description>

In this episode, Dallan sits down with Ken Monroe…

In this episode, Dallan sits down with Ken Monroe, CEO of BChex and host of The Bad Hire Podcast. This conversation has been months in the making — after first connecting at the NC Association of Public Charter Schools Conference in July, Dallan traveled to Huntersville, NC to record both podcasts in person! 

Ken shares valuable insight into how BChex helps charter schools ensure a safe and secure environment through effective background screening. As he explains, people are the key to every organization’s success — and making the right hiring decisions starts with knowing who you’re bringing on board. 

Learn how BChex’s innovative platform, Screening Hero, empowers schools to confidently and correctly screen staff and volunteers, and why Ken believes every school should have an expert in screening. BChex’s mission is simple but powerful: to create safer schools through prevention and education. Don’t miss this episode filled with practical advice, industry expertise, and actionable steps to strengthen your school community.

Show Notes:

BChex https://www.bib.com/

#72 BChex | Ken Monroe

<description>In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan speaks with Joe Dana, the assistant Superintendent of Orcutt School District. Joe has been at the school district for 36 years but also was a student in the district starting in kindergarten. Over his time there he has seen a lot of change. From being a principal at multiple schools to opening the first charter school in the district. Joe shares his journey with us and some insights he has learned along the way. 

As with many other schools, some of the biggest challenges they have faced are issues with enrollment and facilities. Joe uses these challenges to share some solutions and advice for anyone looking into opening a charter school. A big theme of the episode is making sure to have people who want to be part of the community and to tell their story will go a long way. 

Joe ends the episode sharing some great resources that have helped him along the way. They are shared in the show notes. He also invites anyone who would like to, to come stop by and visit Orcutt Academies and Orcutt School district to see what makes them so special and unique.

Time Stamps:

00:50 How did Joe get into the school district world?

1:50 How did you go from principal to principal to charter school?

4:45 What is different about Orcutt Academy?

6:37 Challenges you have faced?

9:54 Advice for anyone wanting to open a charter school?

15:00 Solutions

16:21 Hiring Process

18:25 Final Resources


Show Notes:

Orcutt Union School District https://www.orcuttschools.net/ 
Orcutt Academy K-8 https://orcuttacademy.orcuttschools.net/ 
Orcutt Academy High School https://oahs.orcuttschools.net/
Charter School Development Center https://www.chartercenter.org/
Western Association for Schools and Colleges https://www.acswasc.org/ 
</description>

In this episode of “The Charter School Connection…

In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan speaks with Joe Dana, the assistant Superintendent of Orcutt School District. Joe has been at the school district for 36 years but also was a student in the district starting in kindergarten. Over his time there he has seen a lot of change. From being a principal at multiple schools to opening the first charter school in the district. Joe shares his journey with us and some insights he has learned along the way. 

As with many other schools, some of the biggest challenges they have faced are issues with enrollment and facilities. Joe uses these challenges to share some solutions and advice for anyone looking into opening a charter school. A big theme of the episode is making sure to have people who want to be part of the community and to tell their story will go a long way. 

Joe ends the episode sharing some great resources that have helped him along the way. They are shared in the show notes. He also invites anyone who would like to, to come stop by and visit Orcutt Academies and Orcutt School district to see what makes them so special and unique.

Time Stamps:

00:50 How did Joe get into the school district world?

1:50 How did you go from principal to principal to charter school?

4:45 What is different about Orcutt Academy?

6:37 Challenges you have faced?

9:54 Advice for anyone wanting to open a charter school?

15:00 Solutions

16:21 Hiring Process

18:25 Final Resources


Show Notes:

Orcutt Union School District https://www.orcuttschools.net/ 
Orcutt Academy K-8 https://orcuttacademy.orcuttschools.net/ 
Orcutt Academy High School https://oahs.orcuttschools.net/
Charter School Development Center https://www.chartercenter.org/
Western Association for Schools and Colleges https://www.acswasc.org/ 


#71 Orcutt Union School District  | Joe Dana

<description>In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan speaks with Tina Long, Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer at Exalt Education. Tina shares how her experience with education from a mother’s viewpoint brought her to the charter school world. She shares her journey from opening a charter school in Oregon to now being at Exalt Education in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Exalt Education started in 2014 with 123 students and now has 1,000. A common theme in this episode is striving to give the children the best education for them individually. Every child is on their own path and there are ways to make sure the curriculum fits them. The pillars the elementary school is built on, help the children thrive. This year the high school opened with 250 students already enrolled. There is a unique model within the high school that sets students up for success.

Tina also shares some valuable information for all charter school administrators. From what is needed to open a successful school and how to find the best school board. As well as some challenges and how to overcome them. You do not want to miss this episode.

Time Stamps:

00:38 How did Tina get involved in Charter Schools?

2:10 Is the first school you opened Exalt Education?

3:58 Advice to anyone starting a school?

5:30 What makes a board successful?

7:00 Why is Exalt Education unique?

9:50 What did 8th graders do before you had a high school?

10:45 The new High School

14:23 How long have you been following this model?

17:45 Challenges and solutions

22:29 Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

Exalt Education https://www.exalteducation.org/ 
</description>

In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan speaks with Tina Long, Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer at Exalt Education. Tina shares how her experience with education from a mother’s viewpoint brought her to the charter school world. She shares her journey from opening a charter school in Oregon to now being at Exalt Education in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Exalt Education started in 2014 with 123 students and now has 1,000. A common theme in this episode is striving to give the children the best education for them individually. Every child is on their own path and there are ways to make sure the curriculum fits them. The pillars the elementary school is built on, help the children thrive. This year the high school opened with 250 students already enrolled. There is a unique model within the high school that sets students up for success.

Tina also shares some valuable information for all charter school administrators. From what is needed to open a successful school and how to find the best school board. As well as some challenges and how to overcome them. You do not want to miss this episode.

Time Stamps:

00:38 How did Tina get involved in Charter Schools?

2:10 Is the first school you opened Exalt Education?

3:58 Advice to anyone starting a school?

5:30 What makes a board successful?

7:00 Why is Exalt Education unique?

9:50 What did 8th graders do before you had a high school?

10:45 The new High School

14:23 How long have you been following this model?

17:45 Challenges and solutions

22:29 Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

Exalt Education https://www.exalteducation.org/ 


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