About the Webinar:
The conference opened with a warm welcome from the Florida Charter Institute team, setting the stage for a full day of learning, networking, and collaboration. Participants were recognized for the vital roles they play—whether as school leaders, board members, authorizers, or partners supporting Florida’s charter schools—and thanked for dedicating their time on a Saturday to strengthen their governance and leadership practices.
This year’s event was hosted at Patel High School in Tampa, a public charter school known for its Cambridge program and project-based learning model. Principal Lauren Carnell shared the school’s story, from its founding vision to its rapid growth, and highlighted how students are thriving through authentic learning experiences and access to college opportunities. Attendees also had the chance to hear directly from Patel students, who spoke about their experiences and successes at the school.
The session also included introductions to the Florida Charter Institute’s work, including its support, training, authorizing, and research arms, as well as recognition of the conference sponsors who make this gathering possible. With inspiration from the host school and anticipation for the day ahead, the general session concluded with the introduction of keynote speaker Dr. Tom Miller, a nationally recognized leader in charter school governance and strategic planning.
Morning Assembly Introduction
Presenter:
- Christine Mentis, FCI Governance Coordinator
Date/Time: September 6, 2025
Conference: 2025 Governance Conference
View The Recording:
Session Summary
The conference opened with a welcome that recognized the vital roles of school leaders, board members, and partners, while setting the stage for a day of collaboration and learning. Hosted at Patel High School in Tampa, the session highlighted the school’s growth and student successes, introduced the Florida Charter Institute’s work, and concluded with the introduction of keynote speaker Dr. Tom Miller.