Introducing the FCI Team: Embracing Change and Leading with Purpose
Change is a constant in education, and it is how we navigate it that defines our impact. At the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), merging with the Charter Support Unit (CSU) isn’t just about combining organizations—it’s about uniting our strengths, experiences, and visions to build something even greater.
Meet Susie Miller Carello
Today, we are excited to introduce one of the key people guiding us through this journey: Susie Miller Carello, our Executive Director. Susie brings a wealth of experience and leadership, with a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for students and families. Her track record shows that leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about stepping up and making a difference.
Susie spent 12 years leading the Charter Schools Institute at SUNY, the largest higher-education authorizer in the country. Under her leadership, New York tripled the number of high-quality public school choices, quadrupled enrollment, and significantly improved student achievement. By the end of her term, the Institute had authorized 221 charters, serving 120,000 students.
What stands out most about Susie is her dedication to our mission. She is a leader who asks the right questions and isn’t afraid to push for better outcomes for students. Susie brings that same determination and vision, and we are excited about the future we’ll build together.
Three Questions for Our Leaders
At FCI, we believe that leadership is about connection and purpose. Each month, we’ll be featuring a member of our team to share their insights and experiences. As we move forward, let’s focus on the opportunities ahead and continue to lead with purpose and commitment. At FCI, we are not just navigating change—we’re driving it, together. Here are three questions we’ll be asking to engage and inspire our readers:
What motivates you most in your work with charter schools, and what keeps you passionate about this field?
This fall marks 40 years since the first day I welcomed a rambunctious set of scholars into ‘Miss Miller’s’ very first classroom. From that morning to now, working to serve children grabs me by the belly and drags me out of bed every morning. In charter schools I found kindred spirits. The founders, teachers, board members I have been lucky enough to learn from have that same drive…..and it is infectious. And, more importantly, charter schools deliver for children. They give children a choice of a quality education and a bright future. It is what works. Invest in communities, open schools with a strong design, clear away bureaucracy so schools can focus on teaching and learning. And when they succeed? Reward them with more autonomy. Then? Repeat!
In your opinion, what is the most critical challenge facing charter schools today, and how can leaders effectively address it?
Sticking to what works. And ? Why you started your school in the first place? We know what works in education. We do! We know how to teach reading. We know about the formula that makes great mathematics instruction. The same is true in science, and social studies. We know how to give students more supports, the right supports, to succeed. The challenge is of course finding the time, the talent and the temerity to focus on what works, on why you started your school in the first place and not to be distracted by the latest noise. Focus on what works.
Can you share an experience or initiative from your career that you are particularly proud of, and what impact did it have on students or schools?
Scaling success. The reason charters were started to begin with was to encourage smart, dedicated people to start schools that worked for children. Some individuals and groups are satisfied with just one great school. But we need more great schools. Because of that, we tripled the number of schools in New York and increased performance. It is truly what I am proudest of and hope to play a part in Florida seeing the same success as charters continue to be on the leading edge of what works for children across the state and the nation.