April 2026 FCI Connect | Operations Excellence
Welcome to FCI Connect
From the desk of our Executive Director
Strong schools are built on strong systems. Yet, school operations often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. Behind every smooth arrival, every meal served, and every safe and well-maintained campus is a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure students and staff can focus on what matters most: teaching and learning.
In this month’s featured article, Thibaut Delloue brings needed attention to the critical role of charter school operations. His perspective is a timely reminder that operational excellence is not a back-office function. It is a leadership priority.
Operations is not one-size-fits-all. It is a broad and complex function that looks different in every school, shaped by community needs, staffing models, and day-to-day realities. From transportation and facilities to compliance, safety, and student services, operations leaders carry a wide scope of responsibilities that requires both strategic thinking and constant adaptability.
At the Florida Charter Institute, we are intentional in our support of this critical work. Through our Help Desk and Charter Support Line, school leaders have direct access to former charter school practitioners who understand the policies, nuances, and real-time challenges of running a school. This is support grounded in experience, designed to provide practical, responsive guidance when it is needed most.
We are also proud to offer dedicated professional development for this community. Our Operations Leaders Workshop, hosted at Miami Dade College West Campus on April 22, is designed to equip operations leaders with actionable strategies, tools, and connections to strengthen their impact.
When operations are prioritized and supported, schools are better positioned to deliver on their promise to students, families, and communities.
Warm regards,
Susie
Featured Article | Why Operations Matter: Leading Beyond the Classroom
By: Thibaut Delloue, FCI Policy Fellow
We’ve all been there: a call from a parent that the bus didn’t come, antsy kids waiting in line because lunch isn’t ready, or the sneaking suspicion that the custodian missed your room last night. As a former charter school operations director, I learned the job’s golden rule: nobody thinks about operations until it goes wrong. Schools are more than collections of classrooms: they provide children with meals, medical care, extracurricular activities, field trips, and, for many, simply a safe place. Inside charter schools, small operations teams have gargantuan tasks to make these things happen for students and staff. It’s not uncommon for these staff members to be “first ones in and last ones out,” whether it’s walking the campus after a hurricane long before students arrive or staying into the evening to manage afterschool events.
When operations teams aren’t supported, the entire school suffers. Here are a few tips for charter principals and school directors to keep operations at the forefront:
- Maximize the summer for operations: Summer is the pivotal moment for operations teams, as a lack of operational preparation in the summer can lead to a snowballing effect of headaches at the start of the school year. Leaders can help by minimizing requirements for operations teams outside of their work hours, finding alternatives to long summer breaks for operations staff, or assigning other staff to support operational tasks, including hiring summer interns.
- Treat your operations director like a leader: Operations leaders have a wide range of responsibilities inside charter schools. School leaders should set realistic salaries for such positions and hire individuals with robust leadership experience who can handle the stress of a demanding work environment. Furthermore, they should devote equal time to developing these leaders, such as through regular coaching, as any other administrator.
- Create a proactive, not reactive culture: Operations teams stand or fall by systems. As a school leader, support these teams by creating detailed procedures around arrival, dismissal, and the many other logistical events that dictate your school day—then ensure that all school staff are trained in these systems.
For more insights from Thibaut Delloue and to explore the work of the Florida Charter Institute’s Research division, please visit our Research page: https://flcharterinstitute.org/research/
The Latest News From the FCI Team
Advancing Excellence in Charter School Governance
The Florida Charter Institute’s signature Governance Conference is back, equipping board members with the insight, clarity, and tools needed to lead with confidence.
On September 19, the Florida Charter Institute will host the sixth annual Florida Charter School Governance Conference at Cornerstone Charter Academy in Belle Isle.
Join us for a day of meaningful learning, connection, and leadership development for those shaping the future of charter schools across Florida.
Proven methods for mastery in teaching and leading
Delve into our curated articles designed to enhance and support best practices in the dynamic world of charter school education, brought to you by the Florida Charter Institute’s Paul Powell and Kathryn Perkins.
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here: Explore FLCharterJobs.org
Whether you are building your team or looking for your next role, finding the right fit matters. FLCharterJobs.org was created to bring Florida charter schools and talented professionals together in one dedicated, easy-to-use space.
Now live and growing, this free platform is designed to support both sides of the hiring process with efficiency and intention.
For school leaders and hiring teams:
- Post open roles and reach candidates across Florida’s charter community
- Manage applications and streamline your hiring process
- Connect with professionals who are passionate about charter education
For job seekers:
- Explore opportunities across Florida charter schools
- Apply directly to roles that align with your experience and goals
- Take the next step in your career within a mission-driven community
As more schools and candidates engage with the platform, the stronger and more connected our charter ecosystem becomes.
Start exploring today and be part of a growing network built to support Florida’s charter schools and the people who power them.
The Florida Charter Institute is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Financial Fellowship, a premier program designed to prepare exceptional finance leaders who will safeguard school sustainability, protect taxpayer dollars, and strengthen Florida’s charter sector.
Program Highlights
- Cohort-based professional development
- Face-to-face training with leading national finance and real estate experts
- In-person and virtual training with experienced finance experts
- Real-world case studies and mentorship
Who Should Apply
- Experienced finance professionals ready to enter the charter sector
- Current charter school staff with financial aptitude and leadership potential
- Aspiring charter school financial leaders
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through September 2026. Apply today!
For more information, please visit: https://flcharterinstitute.org/financial-fellowship/
Building Community and Providing Support
FCI Cohort Meetings bring together charter school leaders with shared roles or school models to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. These gatherings provide opportunities for peer discussion, practical insights from experts, and meaningful conversations that support strong schools and student success.
North Florida Regional Cohort Meeting
Friday, April 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The North Florida Regional Cohort meeting will be bringing together charter school leaders to build connections and discuss timely issues impacting charter schools.
Location:
Resilience Charter School
1717-A NE 9th St
Gainesville, FL, 32609
Conversion Charter School Meeting
Tuesday, April 28 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Florida Charter Institute is hosting a Conversion Charter School Meeting for professional
development and networking with like-minded leaders navigating similar challenges.
Location:
44440 Spring Creek Rd
Paisley, FL, 32767
Upcoming Programming
April 21, 2026
FCI Webinar | Medicaid School-Based Services for Charter Schools: A Guided Walkthrough with the Florida Department of Education
During this session, Nanci English, Medicaid School-Based Services (SBS) Project Consultant with the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Services, will provide a guided walkthrough of the Medicaid SBS website and explain the key steps for enrollment, implementation, and program readiness. Participants will gain practical insights into how the program works, where to find important resources, and how charter schools can prepare to participate. The session will also include time for questions.
April 22, 2026
Operations Leadership Workshop
This one-day workshop, designed for COOs, Directors of Operations, Project Managers, Office Managers, and anyone supporting school operations, will immerse participants in best practices for creating and implementing standard operating procedures. High-performing schools are almost all operationally excellent. However, leaders are rarely trained in the skills needed to balance enrolling students, running food service and transportation, maintaining facilities, overseeing information technology, and managing so many other operational responsibilities.
April 24, 2026
North Florida Regional Charter School Cohort Meeting
The Florida Charter Institute invites charter school leaders from across North Florida to join us for a North Florida Regional Cohort Meeting. This gathering will bring together school leaders to build connections, share best practices, and discuss timely issues impacting charter schools across the region. The session will focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and strengthening the network of charter leaders serving students in North Florida.
April 28, 2026
Conversion Charter Cohort Meeting
The Florida Charter Institute invites leaders from Florida’s conversion charter schools to join us for a Conversion Charter Cohort Meeting at Spring Creek Charter School, the first conversion charter school in Florida. This gathering will bring together leaders of conversion charter schools to share insights, discuss challenges unique to the conversion model, and exchange best practices for sustaining strong school communities. The session will focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and strengthening the network of conversion charter school leaders across Florida.
April 28, 2026
Beyond the Budget: Strategic Revenue Planning for Charter School Sustainability
As spring approaches, charter schools should begin planning next year’s budget. A strong budgeting process helps school leaders allocate resources wisely, manage risk, and build financial stability. In this webinar, you’ll learn practical budgeting best practices to support confident decision-making and long-term sustainability.
May 1 – 2, 2026
2026 Florida Summit of Classical Education
The Florida Classical Education Summit is a premier gathering uniting K-12 and higher education leaders to advance classical education from kindergarten through graduate school.
May 5, 2026
What to Expect at FCI’s Governance Conference 2026
The Florida Charter Institute will be hosting a webinar to share an overview of what to expect at the 2026 Governance Conference. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to get involved with the conference. Join the conversation and register for the May 5th webinar.
May 12, 2026
McKinney-Vento Overview: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures students experiencing homelessness have immediate access to school, stability, and essential services, including transportation and free meals.
This session will provide an overview of McKinney-Vento requirements, Florida’s state goals, Rule 6A-10.088, F.A.C., and key laws, with a focus on how schools can effectively support students experiencing housing instability.
May 21, 2026
Redefining High School: The Collegiate Charter Model with Dr. Karen Peck
In this session, Dr. Peck will share how students can graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree through full dual enrollment on a college campus, supported by strong systems of mentoring, coaching, and teacher collaboration. She will also highlight how mission-driven leadership plays a critical role in student success.
June 5, 2026
Back to School Compliance and Planning Meeting
Preparing for the upcoming school year while balancing compliance, operational tasks, instructional fidelity, and accountability requirements.
June 9 –11, 2026
Leading for Learning: The Power of Studying Student Work Instructional Leadership Workshop (Miami)
This three-day workshop, designed for principals, deans of instruction/curriculum, and instructional coaches, will immerse participants in a coaching model that ensures student learning lives at the forefront of instructional coaching and decision making.
June 11, 2026
A+ Sunshine: A Clearer View of Florida’s Accountability System
This session offers a straightforward look at Florida’s assessment and accountability landscape, including End-of-Course (EOC) exams, school grading criteria, and the policies that shape them. Grounded in real-world application, the conversation focuses on what leaders need to know to plan effectively, support their teams, and make informed decisions..
June 16 – June 18, 2026
Leading for Learning: The Power of Studying Student Work Instructional Leadership Workshop (Orlando)
This three-day workshop, designed for principals, deans of instruction/curriculum, and instructional coaches, will immerse participants in a coaching model that ensures student learning lives at the forefront of instructional coaching and decision making.
July 28, 2026
Foundations of Classroom Management and Engagement with Teach Like a Champion Workshop
This practice-intensive workshop will focus on high-impact behavioral and engagement techniques that enable joy and academic achievement.
July 29 – 30, 2026
Science of Deeper Learning: Checking for Understanding with Teach Like A Champion Workshop
Teach Like a Champion will offer two sessions across three workshop days running from Tuesday, July 28 to Thursday, July 30. Participants can attend one or both sessions. The Wednesday and Thursday Workshops will focus on instructional best practice, with more coming as the event approaches.
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FCI Connect is the monthly newsletter from the Florida Charter Institute. FCI’s mission is to serve as Florida’s premier hub for charter excellence and insight by providing research-based best practices, resources, and support. FCI is powered by Miami Dade College and authorized in Florida statute.
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