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.
Three Questions for Our Leaders
Meet Christine Mentis
At FCI, we believe leadership is about connection, purpose, and the courage to make a difference. Each month, we feature a member of our team, offering a glimpse into the passion and dedication that drive our work. Together, we are not just navigating change—we’re leading it with purpose and commitment.
This month, we are excited to highlight Christine Mentis, a dedicated leader in charter school governance and operations. Christine has built an impressive career, serving as an educator, school administrator, and executive director of a system of four charter schools in Florida.
Christine’s expertise spans all phases of charter school operations, from drafting charter applications to successfully replicating high-performing charter schools. Since joining the Charter Support Unit in 2021, she has been committed to supporting charter schools in meeting their missions and achieving their goals for student success.
Christine leverages her educational expertise and deep knowledge of governance and operations to promote excellence in charter schools. Her efforts ensure that schools are fully equipped to meet the needs of their students and communities.
Her steadfast commitment to empowering charter school leaders and driving student success makes her an invaluable part of the FCI team. We are proud to have her passion and expertise advancing our mission.
What motivates you most in your work with charter schools, and what keeps you passionate about this field?
My primary motivation for supporting the charter school movement hinges on charter schools’ ability to provide high-quality educational options to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. There remains a significant gap in equitable educational opportunities for children in low-income neighborhoods. Charter schools serve as a powerful solution to bridge this gap by offering exceptional choices that align with students’ unique interests and abilities, creating pathways to success that might otherwise be inaccessible. Working with schools to ensure that children, regardless of their economic background, have access to the educational resources necessary for their success is what keeps me passionate about this field.
In your opinion, what is the most critical challenge facing charter schools today, and how can leaders effectively address it?
Meeting enrollment targets is crucial to the success of charter schools, as student enrollment directly influences funding. In Florida, the state stands at the forefront of school choice options, offering parents a wide array of educational opportunities for their children. This innovative approach allows parents to select the most suitable learning environment, tailored to their child’s needs and aspirations but in turn, poses a challenge to charter schools to meet and maintain enrollment goals. To ensure continued growth and success, charter school leaders must recognize that providing a high-quality education is only one part of the equation. Effective marketing and recruitment efforts are just as essential. Leaders must invest time and resources into these efforts to attract and retain students, communicate their unique value proposition to families, and build lasting relationships with the community. By doing so, charter schools can not only meet enrollment targets but also strengthen their impact, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
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?
Serving in various capacities within the field of education has been incredibly rewarding. Whether directly impacting students as a teacher or working to provide high-quality educational experiences in underserved communities as a school leader, each role has been fulfilling. However, my current position, where I support charter school governing boards, brings me immense pride. The governing board is the cornerstone of a charter school and plays a critical role in its success. I take great pride in the program we are developing to support school leaders by strengthening their boards, ensuring they are well-equipped to fulfill the school’s mission and vision for years to come.