2025 Florida Charter School Conference and School Choice Summit

The Charter Support Unit is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the planners of the Florida Charter School Conference to bring you recorded sessions from the 2025 Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit.

Most of the sessions were recorded live at the conference, therefore the audio is not always the best quality. We’ve attempted to edit and tweak them where possible. We’ve added an AI generated summary for each session based on the transcript of each session, and whenever possible we’ve included the slides and handouts when they are available.

For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.charterandchoice.com/2025/

General Sessions

Opening Session

The opening session to the 2025 conference was keynoted by the Doug Lemov, the author of Teach Like A Champion. before Mr. Lemov took the stage, participants were welcomed by Tony Arza from the Florida Charter School Alliance, and a presentation by Shereen Reid, the 2025 Charter Teacher of the Year. In addition an award was presented to Mr. Ralph Arza.

Closing Session

The closing session of the 2025 conference combined one of the most popular sessions at the conference to allow the Florida Department of Education to provide updates and changes at the state level which affect Florida charter and private schools.

Conference Sessions

  • FCSC-SCS 2025 Opening Session

    The opening session set an energetic and inspiring tone for the joint Florida Charter School Conference and School Choice Symposium, bringing together educators, policymakers, and advocates committed to expanding high-quality educational opportunities for Florida’s students. State and national leaders reflected on the growth and impact of Florida’s charter movement, celebrating the innovation, diversity, and collaboration that continue to define the state’s public school choice landscape. Speakers emphasized the importance of empowering families, supporting educators, and maintaining a relentl …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):

  • FCSC-SCS 2025 Closing Session

    The closing session celebrated the collaboration and achievements of educators, students, and leaders who make Florida’s school choice movement thrive. The event opened with a performance from the Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts choir and included recognitions for student tech teams, the program review committee, and Florida Department of Education staff for their contributions to a successful conference. The session then transitioned to a comprehensive Florida Department of Education (DOE) update, led by Adam Emerson, Executive Director of the Office of School Choice, and colleagues from …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):

  • AHCA/DOE Background Screening Clearinghouse for Charter Schools

    This session provided an in-depth overview of Florida’s Background Screening Clearinghouse, a centralized system that streamlines the employee screening process for charter schools and other care providers. Taylor Haddock and David Pinsky from the Agency for Health Care Administration explained how the Clearinghouse consolidates background checks from multiple state agencies (AHCA, DCF, APD, and DOE) into a single, efficient platform. They demonstrated the system’s key features, including how to register organizations, submit screening requests, track application status, and manage results. Th …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Taylor Haddock, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration
      • Mr. David Pinsky, Unit Manager, Background Screening Unit, Agency for Health Care Administration

  • AHCA/DOE Background Screening Clearinghouse for Private Schools

    AHCA/DOE Background Screening Clearinghouse for Private SchoolsPresented by Taylor Haddock, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and David Pinsky, Unit Manager, Background Screening Unit, AHCA This session provided an in-depth overview of Florida’s Background Screening Clearinghouse, its expansion to include the Department of Education, and the operational changes affecting private and charter schools. Taylor Haddock outlined the Clearinghouse’s origins and purpose—to reduce redundant screenings and ensure timely arrest notifications for individuals working …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Taylor Haddock, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Agency for Health Care Administration
      • Mr. David Pinsky, Unit Manager, Background Screening Unit, Agency for Health Care Administration

  • Beyond the Basics: Sunshine Law and Public Records Challenges for Schools

    Beyond the Basics: Sunshine Law and Public Records Challenges for SchoolsPresented by Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm, and Kathleen Schoenberg, Of Counsel, Arnold Law Firm This advanced session took a deep dive into Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Act, helping charter school leaders understand the latest legal challenges and compliance expectations that go beyond the fundamentals. Melissa Gross-Arnold and Kathleen Schoenberg used real-world examples and recent court cases—including Moms for Liberty v. Brevard County School Board—to illustrate the risks of vague pub …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm
      • Kathleen Schoenberg, Of Counsel, Arnold Law Firm

  • Beyond the Closing Table: Post-Issuance Compliance for Tax-Exempt Bonds

    This comprehensive session addressed the critical but often overlooked aspects of maintaining tax-exempt status for charter school bonds after the initial closing. Richard Moreno, Braxton Padgett, and Emily Rodriguez guided attendees through the complex landscape of post-issuance compliance requirements, emphasizing that securing tax-exempt financing is just the beginning of a long-term responsibility. The presenters explained key compliance obligations including annual arbitrage rebate calculations, continuing disclosure requirements, private use restrictions, and proper expenditure tracking. …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Richard Moreno, President, Building Hope Services, LLC
      • Mr. Braxton Padgett, Shareholder, The Arnold Law Firm
      • Mrs. Emily Rodriguez, Associate, The Arnold Law Firm

  • Building a Bridge to Skilled Literacy Through Reading and Writing Connections

    This insightful session explored the powerful reciprocal relationship between reading and writing instruction, demonstrating how intentionally connecting these literacy skills accelerates student learning and builds stronger, more confident readers and writers. Turquoise Brennan and Dr. Kaira Kelly-Howard, State Regional Literacy Directors at the Florida Department of Education, explained that reading and writing are not separate skills to be taught in isolation but interconnected processes that reinforce and deepen each other when taught strategically together. The presenters grounded their g …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Turquoise Brennan, State Regional Literacy Director, FDOE
      • Dr. Kaira Kelly-Howard, State Regional Literacy Director, FDOE

  • Charter School Data Reporting

    This essential session provided charter school administrators with comprehensive guidance on Florida’s student data reporting requirements and systems, emphasizing the critical importance of accurate, timely data submission for funding, compliance, and accountability. Dr. Andre Smith, Chief Information Officer at the Florida Department of Education, explained how charter schools must collect, maintain, and report detailed student information through the state’s Education Data Warehouse and various reporting platforms. He outlined the major data reporting cycles throughout the school year, incl …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dr. Andre Smith, Chief Information Office, Florida Department of Education

  • Charter School Funding Through the Florida Education Finance Program

    This essential session provided charter school leaders with a detailed understanding of how Florida’s education funding system works and how charter schools receive their state funding through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). Miguel Aquino and Josh Bemis from the Florida Department of Education explained the complex formula that drives public school funding in Florida, breaking down the key components including base student allocation, categorical programs, district cost differential, and supplemental funding streams. The presenters emphasized that charter schools are entitled to …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Miguel Aquino, Program Specialist, Office of Funding and Financial Reporting, FDOE
      • Josh Bemis, Educational Policy Director, Office of Funding and Financial Reporting, FDOE

  • Charter School Program Grant: Management, Updates, and Key Practices

    Based on the transcript, here’s a summary for your website: This informative session provided charter school leaders with essential guidance on the federal Charter School Program (CSP) grant, a critical funding source that supports the planning, implementation, and replication of high-quality charter schools across Florida. Chasity Ingram, CSP Grant Director, and Vicki Pineda, Charter Schools Director at the Florida Department of Education, explained how CSP grants work, who is eligible to apply, the types of activities that can be funded, and the application and award process. The presenters …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Chasity Ingram, CSP Grant Director, FDOE
      • Ms. Vicki Pineda, Charter Schools Director, FDOE

  • Cultivating Relationships with School Board Members: Why It Matters for Schools

    This strategic session explored the critical but often underutilized practice of building positive, productive relationships between charter schools and their local school district board members. Shawn Arnold, Jim Horne, and Andy Ziegler provided compelling insights into why these relationships matter and how charter leaders can effectively engage with board members to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. The presenters emphasized that school board members are elected officials with significant influence over charter school authorization, funding, facilities access, and overall opera …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Shawn Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm
      • Jim Horne, Partner, Strategos Group
      • Andy Ziegler, Board President, Odyssey Charter School Board

  • Education Savings Accounts and Charter Schools: New Opportunities in School Choice

    Based on the transcript, here’s a summary for your website: This informative session explored the evolving landscape of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in Florida and the significant opportunities they present for charter schools. Adam Emerson from the Florida Department of Education and Keith Jacobs from Step Up For Students provided a comprehensive overview of Florida’s ESA programs, explaining how these flexible scholarship options allow families to customize their children’s education by directing state funds toward tuition, therapies, curriculum materials, tutoring, and other approved e …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Adam Emerson, Executive Director, Office of School Choice, Florida Department of Education
      • Keith Jacobs, Director, Provider Development, Step Up For Students

  • Engagement Elevated: How Immersive Technologies Can Transform Student Learning

    This forward-thinking session explored how immersive technologies—particularly virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—are revolutionizing student engagement and learning outcomes in K-12 education. James Pope, Dr. Patrick Schuermann, and Dr. Dan Sturdevant demonstrated how these cutting-edge tools can transform abstract concepts into tangible, interactive experiences that capture students’ attention and deepen understanding across all subject areas. The presenters showcased real-world applications ranging from virtual field trips to historical sites and scientific explorations to hand …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. James Pope, Chief Revenue Officer, Technology Lab
      • Dr. Patrick Schuermann, VP of Strategic Partnerships, OptimaXR
      • Dr. Dan Sturdevant, Vice President of Partner Enablement, Optima XR

  • ESE Services from The Florida Charter Institute

    This comprehensive session introduced charter school leaders to the specialized exceptional student education (ESE) support services available through the Florida Charter Institute and its partner organization, Collaborative Educational Network. Reagan Chalmers, Director of ESE at FCI, Lindsey Granger from CEN, and Dr. Christy Noe presented the range of services designed to help charter schools build strong, compliant ESE programs that effectively serve students with disabilities. The presenters acknowledged that ESE compliance and service delivery represent one of the most challenging areas f …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Reagan Chalmers, Director, ESE, Florida Charter Institute Lindsey Granger, Senior Consultant, Collaborative Educational Network
      • Dr. Christy Noe, Deputy Director, Authorizing Team Lead (FCI) | President & CEO (CEN), Florida Charter Institute (FCI) | Collaborative Educational Network (CEN)

  • Follow the Money: What Charter School Financial Reports Reveal About Gaps, Oversight, and Sustainability

    This data-driven session provided charter school leaders and board members with essential insights into interpreting financial reports and using financial data strategically to ensure school sustainability and identify potential problems before they become crises. Thibaut Delloue, Policy Fellow, and Curtis Fuller, Chief Operating Officer at the Florida Charter Institute, demonstrated how to read and analyze the key financial statements that charter schools must prepare—including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and budget-to-actual comparisons—and explained what these r …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Thibaut Delloue, Policy Fellow, Florida Charter Institute
      • Curtis Fuller, Chief Operating Officer, Florida Charter Institute

  • From Projections to Payments: Mastering Charter School Funding

    This practical session equipped charter school leaders with comprehensive knowledge about navigating Florida’s complex education funding system, from initial budgeting through final payments. Dr. Andy Binns, Board Chairman of Palm Beach Maritime Academy, and Matthew Durden, Associate Attorney at Arnold Law Firm, provided a detailed roadmap for understanding how charter schools receive funding, track revenue throughout the year, and manage the financial uncertainties inherent in enrollment-based funding models. The presenters explained the critical funding mechanisms including the Florida Educa …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dr. Andy Binns, Board Chairman, Palm Beach Maritime Academy
      • Matthew Durden, Associate Attorney, Arnold Law Firm

  • From Selection to Success: Navigating Florida’s Instructional Materials State Adoption Process and Portal

    This essential session provided charter school leaders with a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s instructional materials adoption process and how to effectively navigate the state’s online portal system. Caroline Palmer, Director of Instructional Materials at the Florida Department of Education, explained the rigorous state adoption process that evaluates instructional materials for alignment with Florida’s standards, including recent legislative requirements related to the Science of Reading and restrictions on certain content. She outlined the timeline and criteria used to review and a …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Caroline Palmer, Director, Instructional Materials, FDOE

  • From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Navigating Custody, Criminal, and Court Demands in Schools

    This vital session equipped charter school leaders with practical knowledge for handling complex legal situations involving custody disputes, criminal investigations, and court-related demands that increasingly impact school operations. Russell Froman and John Leombruno from the Arnold Law Firm, along with Kelly Gunter, Director of School Operations, provided comprehensive guidance on navigating sensitive scenarios that require balancing legal obligations, student safety, and family rights. The presenters addressed common challenges schools face, including responding to law enforcement request …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Russell Froman, Of Counsel, Arnold Law Firm
      • Kelly Gunter, Director of School Operations
      • John Leombruno, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm

  • Grow Smart, Grow Strong: Florida Charter Strategies for Facilities, Finance and Community Impact

    This comprehensive session provided charter school leaders with strategic insights on sustainable growth, focusing on the critical intersection of facilities planning, financial management, and community engagement. Wes Olson from Raymond James, Lauren Allen and Dru Damico from Building Hope, and Shannon Treece from Babcock Neighborhood Schools shared their expertise on navigating the complex landscape of charter school expansion. The presenters emphasized that successful growth requires careful planning that balances enrollment demand with financial capacity, facility needs, and community rea …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Wes Olson, Managing Director, Raymond James
      • Ms. Lauren Allen, Director of Business Development, Building Hope
      • Mr. Dru Damico, President of Real Estate, Building Hope
      • Ms. Shannon Treece, Executive Director, Babcock Neighborhood Schools

  • Hope Florida: Supports for Florida’s Families

    This informative session introduced Hope Florida, a groundbreaking statewide initiative designed to connect Florida families facing economic hardships with comprehensive wraparound services and support. Dr. Andrew Weatherill from the Florida Department of Education explained how Hope Florida takes a holistic, family-centered approach to helping households achieve economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Unlike traditional social services that operate in silos, Hope Florida assigns each participating family a dedicated Hope Navigator who conducts thorough assessments, develops personalized actio …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dr. Andrew Weatherill, Senior Director, Student Support Services, FDOE

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Services and Provisions for Students with Disabilities in Home Education, Charter Schools and Not-for-Profit Private Schools

    This comprehensive session provided critical guidance on how charter schools must fulfill their obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to identify, evaluate, and serve students with disabilities. Patricia Bodiford, Chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services at the Florida Department of Education, clarified that charter schools are public schools with the same legal responsibilities as traditional district schools when it comes to special education—they cannot refuse to enroll students with disabilities, must provide a full continuum of s …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Patricia Bodiford, Chief, BEESS, FDOE

  • K-12 Computer Science

    This engaging session explored the importance of integrating computer science education throughout K-12 schools and provided practical strategies for implementation regardless of school size or resources. Tony Hamner, a computer science teacher from Aventura City of Excellence School, made a compelling case for why computer science literacy is no longer optional but essential for preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. He explained that computer science education goes far beyond teaching students to code—it develops computational thinking, problem-solving skills, creat …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Tony Hamner, Computer Science Teacher, Aventura City of Excellence School

  • Know the Rules, Change the Game: Secondary Transition Legislation Essentials

    This comprehensive session provided charter school educators and administrators with essential knowledge about secondary transition requirements and services for students with disabilities under federal and state law. Lisa Friedman-Chavez, Kimberly Thorne, and Jennifer Treadway from Project 10: Transition Education Network explained the legal mandates under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that require schools to prepare students with IEPs for life after high school through coordinated transition planning beginning no later than age 16 (or earlier if appropriate). The pre …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Lisa Friedman-Chavez, Regional Transition Representative District 5, Southeast Florida, Project 10: Transition Education Network (IDEA-Funded State Project)
      • Ms. Kimberly Thorne, Regional Transition Representative District 3, East Central Florida, Project 10: Transition Education Network (IDEA-Funded State Project)
      • Jennifer Treadway, Regional Transition Representative Region 4, Project 10: Transition Education Network (IDEA-Funded State Project)

  • Lead with Confidence: Best Practices for Effective Board Meetings

    This practical session provided charter school board members and administrators with essential guidance on conducting effective, legally compliant board meetings that advance school missions while maintaining transparency and accountability. Christine Mentis from the Florida Charter Institute and Kathleen Schoenberg, attorney and governance trainer with Charter School Training LLC and Arnold Law Firm, presented comprehensive best practices covering everything from meeting preparation and agenda development to facilitation techniques and decision-making processes. The presenters emphasized that …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Christine Mentis, Governance Program Director, Florida Charter Institute
      • Kathleen Schoenberg, Attorney & Governance Trainer, Charter School Training LLC & Arnold Law Firm

  • Lead with Trust. Inspire with Purpose. Empower for Growth.

    This dynamic session explored the essential elements of transformational school leadership through the framework of trust, purpose, and empowerment. Steven Epstein and Tracey Saxon from Charter Schools USA shared practical strategies for building strong school cultures where leaders inspire excellence and foster genuine relationships with staff, students, and families. The presenters emphasized that effective leadership begins with establishing trust through consistency, transparency, and authentic communication, then moves to creating a shared sense of purpose that aligns the entire school co …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Steven Epstein, Head of School (Renaissance Charter at Tradition and Tradition Preparatory High School), Charter Schools USA
      • Ms. Tracey Saxon, Director of School Support, Charter Schools USA

  • Leading with Culture: Transforming New and Struggling Schools

    This inspiring session shared the remarkable turnaround story of Cornerstone Classical Academy and the successful launch of Jacksonville Classical Academy’s Riverside Campus, demonstrating how intentional culture-building can transform struggling schools and establish strong foundations for new ones. Lindsay Randall, Nick Barker, Dawn Oehmann, and Edi Wohlgemuth presented a comprehensive framework for creating thriving school communities built on clearly articulated core values, consistent expectations, and genuine relationships. The presenters emphasized that culture isn’t created by accident …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Lindsay Randall, Founder and Board Chair, Cornerstone Classical Academy
      • Mr. Nick Barker, Principal, Jacksonville Classical Academy-Riverside Campus
      • Mrs. Dawn Oehmann, Principal, Cornerstone Classical Academy
      • Mrs. Edi Wohlgemuth, Executive Director, Cornerstone Classical Academy

  • Learn A New Language: What School Leaders Need to Know About Real Estate Development and Finance

    Learn a New Language: What School Leaders Need to Know About Real Estate Development and FinancePresented by Kelly De La Cruz, Founder and Director, Mi Escuela Montessori; Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm; and Richard Moreno, President, Building Hope Services, LLC This session helped school leaders “learn a new language” — the complex terminology and decision-making processes involved in charter school real estate development and finance. Richard Moreno, Melissa Gross-Arnold, and Kelly De La Cruz offered practical guidance on understanding leases, pro formas, capacity plannin …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Kelly De La Cruz, Founder, Director, Mi Escuela Montessori
      • Melissa Gross-Arnold, Shareholder, Arnold Law Firm
      • Richard Moreno, President, Building Hope Services, LLC

  • Monitor the Learning: Instructional Leadership to Drive Achievement

    Based on the transcript, here’s a summary for your website: This dynamic session focused on the critical role instructional leaders play in systematically monitoring classroom learning to drive continuous improvement and student achievement. Kathryn Perkins from FCI Educate and Paul Powell from True North Classical Academy presented a comprehensive framework for effective instructional leadership that goes beyond administrative walkthroughs to truly understanding what students are learning in real time. The presenters emphasized that monitoring learning requires leaders to be strategic, intent …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Kathryn Perkins, Executive Deputy Director, FCI Educate, Florida Charter Institute
      • Paul Powell, Executive Director, True North Classical Academy & Founding Member, FCI, Florida Charter Institute

  • Pathway to the Education Profession: Teacher Apprenticeship Program and Strengthening Educator Preparation

    This informative session introduced Florida’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program and other innovative pathways designed to address the educator workforce shortage while strengthening teacher preparation across the state. Marsha Dixon and Betsy Williamson from the Florida Department of Education explained how the Teacher Apprenticeship Program provides an earn-while-you-learn model that allows aspiring educators to work in classrooms under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers while simultaneously completing their certification requirements. The presenters emphasized that this registered appr …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Marsha Dixon, , FDOE
      • Ms. Betsy Williamson, , FDOE

  • Public School Facilities Usage Study

    This data-driven session presented findings from a groundbreaking statewide study examining public school facilities usage across Florida, with particular attention to implications for charter school access to district facilities. Thibaut Delloue and Susie Miller Carello from the Florida Charter Institute, along with Jim Griffin and Brooke Quisenberry from Momentum Strategy and Research, shared comprehensive research revealing significant underutilization of traditional public school buildings throughout the state. The study analyzed enrollment trends, facility capacity, and space usage patter …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Thibaut Delloue, Fellow, Florida Charter Institute
      • Jim Griffin, President, Momentum Strategy and Research
      • Susie Miller Carello, Executive Director, Florida Charter Institute
      • Brooke Quisenberry, Senior Research Associate, Momentum Strategy and Research

  • Raising the Bar: Developing School Leaders to Inspire Student Achievement

    Raising the Bar: Developing School Leaders to Inspire Student AchievementPresented by Ms. Tiani Snelling, Learning & Development Specialist, Florida Department of Education This session focused on the critical role of leadership development in driving continuous school improvement and student achievement. Ms. Snelling emphasized that effective school leaders not only manage operations but also cultivate strong instructional cultures that inspire excellence in teachers and students alike. She explored the state’s vision for leadership development under Florida’s continuous improvement frame …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Ms. Tiani Snelling, Learning & Development Specialist , FDOE

  • Resiliency Florida: Empowering Florida’s Students

    This impactful session introduced Resiliency Florida, a comprehensive statewide initiative designed to strengthen mental health support systems and build resilience among Florida’s students, educators, and families. Dr. Andria Cole from the Florida Department of Education explained how Resiliency Florida represents a paradigm shift from reactive crisis response to proactive prevention and early intervention, recognizing that student wellbeing is foundational to academic success. The program focuses on creating supportive school environments where mental health is prioritized alongside physical …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dr. Andria Cole, Chief, BFCO, FDOE

  • Secondary Reading: Strengthening Intervention Through Comprehension

    Based on the transcript, here’s a summary for your website: This practical session addressed the critical challenge of improving reading comprehension for struggling secondary students, with Tessa Shuler and Meghann Van Hise from Just Read, Florida! providing evidence-based strategies and resources for effective intervention. The presenters emphasized that while secondary reading instruction has historically focused heavily on decoding skills, true reading proficiency requires a balanced approach that develops both foundational skills and higher-level comprehension abilities. They explained th …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Tessa Shuler, , Just Read, Florida!/Florida Department of Education
      • Meghann Van Hise, Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education

  • Storm’s Over, Now What? A Survival Guide to Insurance and FEMA Recovery

    This critical session provided charter school leaders with essential guidance on navigating the complex aftermath of natural disasters, focusing on insurance claims processes and FEMA reimbursement procedures. Ron Danzey from Palm Bay Education Group, along with Ismary Cardoso and Chelsea Oakes from Egis Insurance and Risk Advisors, shared hard-won insights from real-world storm recovery experiences, emphasizing that preparation before disaster strikes is just as important as response afterward. The presenters walked attendees through the immediate steps schools should take following a hurrica …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Ron Danzey, CEO, Executive Director, Palm Bay Education Group, Inc
      • Ismary Cardoso, VP Public Entity Risks, Egis Insurance and Risk Advisors
      • Chelsea Oakes, VP Public Entity Risks, Egis Insurance and Risk Advisors

  • Supports for English Language Learners to Maximize Outcomes

    This vital session addressed the comprehensive support systems and instructional strategies charter schools need to maximize academic outcomes for English Language Learners (ELLs), one of Florida’s fastest-growing student populations. Dr. Raydel Hernandez, Chief of the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition, and Dustin Simms, Lead State Executive Director for School Improvement at the Florida Department of Education, provided essential guidance on meeting both the legal requirements and instructional best practices for serving ELL students effectively. The presenters explai …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Dr. Raydel Hernandez, Chief, Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition (SALA), FDOE
      • Mr. Dustin Simms, Lead State Executive Director, School Improvement, FDOE

  • Teaching Civics with Impact: Coaching and Strategies for Success

    This engaging session equipped educators with effective strategies and resources for delivering high-quality, impactful civics instruction that prepares students to be informed, engaged citizens in our constitutional republic. Lauren Kappler and Traci Mulitsa, Civics Directors at the Florida Department of Education, emphasized Florida’s renewed commitment to civics education as reflected in strengthened standards, enhanced curriculum requirements, and increased accountability through the statewide civics assessment. The presenters explained that effective civics instruction goes beyond memoriz …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Lauren Kappler, Civics Director, FDOE
      • Mrs. Traci Mulitsa, Civics Director, FDOE

  • The Next Stop on Florida’s Mathematics Journey: B.E.S.T. Mathematics Coaching

    The Next Stop on Florida’s Mathematics Journey: B.E.S.T. Mathematics CoachingPresented by Mrs. Courtney Starling, Director, Office of Mathematics and Science, FDOE, and Mrs. Barbie Hartsfield, Director, Math Coaches, FDOE This session guided educators through Florida’s ongoing journey to elevate mathematics instruction through the B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) standards. Mrs. Starling and Mrs. Hartsfield traced the development of the B.E.S.T. Mathematics initiative from its 2019 inception to the creation of statewide instructional guides, professional learning opportunit …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Barbie Hartsfield, Director, Math Coaches, FDOE
      • Mrs. Courtney Starling, Director, Office of Mathematics and Science, FDOE

  • The Use of Federal Educational Program Funding to Serve Charter and Private School Students

    The Use of Federal Educational Program Funding to Serve Charter and Private School StudentsPresented by Mr. Matthew Wiley, Assistant Chief, Bureau of Federal Educational Programs, Florida Department of Education, and Mr. Vincent Scotese, Educational Policy Consultant, Bureau of Federal Educational Programs, Florida Department of Education This session provided a detailed overview of how Florida charter and private schools can access and manage federal education funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Matthew Wiley and Vincent Scotese explained the difference between ch …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mr. Matthew Wiley, Assistant Chief, Bureau of Federal Educational Programs, Florida Department of Education
      • Mr. Vincent Scotese, Educational Policy Consultant, Bureau of Federal Educational Programs, Florida Department of Education

  • Third Grade Success: Florida Policy and Best Practices for Literacy Achievement

    Third Grade Success: Florida Policy and Best Practices for Literacy AchievementPresented by Monica Reeves and Meghann Van Hise, Just Read, Florida!, Florida Department of Education This session provided a comprehensive overview of Florida’s policies and best practices to promote early literacy achievement, with a focus on supporting third-grade success. Monica Reeves and Meghann Van Hise walked participants through updates to Section 1008.25, Florida Statutes, outlining requirements for identifying and addressing substantial reading deficiencies (SRD) and mathematics deficiencies. The presente …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Monica Reeves, FDOE
      • Meghann Van Hise, Just Read, Florida!, FDOE

  • Understanding the Importance of Why Accreditation Can Guide Institutions’ Continuous Improvement Process

    Presented by Dr. Andre’ Harrison, Senior Vice President of Accreditation Services at Cognia, and Christine McGuinn, Director of Education Projects & Quality Assurance at Academica This engaging session explored how accreditation serves as both a framework and catalyst for continuous improvement within educational institutions. Dr. Harrison outlined Cognia’s updated accreditation model, emphasizing its four key domains—culture, leadership, engagement, and growth—and how they help schools move beyond compliance toward a culture of reflective practice and measurable progress. He highlighted t …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Christine McGuinn, Director Education Projects & Quality Assurance , Academica
      • Dr. Andre' Harrison, Senior Vice President, Accreditation Services, Cognia

  • You Are Your Only Limit! Strategies to Motivate Students Based on The Science of Learning

    You Are Your Only Limit! Strategies to Motivate Students Based on the Science of LearningPresented by Mrs. Liliana Salazar, National Director for Special Education and Student Support, Academica, and Ms. Bonnie May, Regional Director of Support & Services, Academica This dynamic and interactive session explored how the science of learning can help educators motivate students and create classrooms where persistence, curiosity, and growth thrive. Drawing from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience, Mrs. Salazar and Ms. May introduced research-based strategies—such as growth mindset, …

    • Conference: 2025 FL Charter School Conference
    • Presenter(s):
      • Mrs. Liliana Salazar, National Director for Special Education and Student Support, Academica
      • Ms. Bonnie May, Regional Director of Support & Services, Academica