Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators

Presented by BuyQ

Welcome to "Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators" the only podcast dedicated to the ‘behind-the-scenes” business of running a successful charter school. Join us as we sit down with charter school leaders who share how they are overcoming the biggest operational hurdles facing their schools today. Each episode will leave you with unique insights and tactical strategies that you can implement at your school. Enjoy the show!

  1. 3h ago

    # 71 The Myth of Incremental Progress Ft. Maryann Li, CEO, Ascend Public Charter Schools

    Ascend Public Charter Schools achieved more than 20% academic growth in a single year across 17 Brooklyn K–12 campuses — and CEO Maryann Li credits three interconnected pillars: shifting organizational mindsets about what students can achieve, investing strategically in talent at every level, and building execution systems that enable rapid, data-driven intervention. Maryann challenges the assumption that incremental improvement is either realistic or responsible, arguing that a few bold decisions executed relentlessly — not a hundred disconnected tweaks — are what drive transformational outcomes. This episode is especially relevant for charter school CEOs, COOs, network leaders, and operations teams ready to move from incremental progress to step-change performance.  WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS Enrollment drives financial sustainability. Talent determines instructional quality. But the belief systems inside an organization determine both — because they set the ceiling on what leaders are willing to ask for and what staff believe is possible. Maryann Li's work at Ascend demonstrates that culture, talent strategy, and operational execution are not separate workstreams. They are interconnected levers that, when pulled together, produce outsized results. For charter school CEOs, the mindset framework offers a concrete way to diagnose where an organization has normalized low expectations — and what it takes to dismantle that. For COOs and operations leaders, the data systems discussion is directly applicable: building infrastructure that delivers leading indicators rather than lagging results is an operational discipline, not just an academic one. And for finance leaders, Maryann's framing of schools as human-powered organizations reframes talent investment as a core financial strategy — not an overhead cost. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    37 min

  2. May 8

    #70. 3 major enrollment trends and what to do about them ft. Yoni Samuel-Siegel - Founder and Principal at Enrollment Design Studio

    Enrollment has become one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing charter schools today. Shifting demographics, increased school choice, and evolving family behavior have fundamentally changed how schools attract, engage, and enroll students — and many traditional enrollment approaches are no longer working. On this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, is joined by Yoni Samuel‑Siegel, Founder and Principal of Enrollment Design Studio, to break down three major enrollment trends impacting charter schools nationwide. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a teacher, nonprofit leader, and charter school COO, Yoni explains how the enrollment landscape has shifted, why enrollment can no longer be treated as seasonal work, and what charter school leaders can do to respond strategically. This conversation offers practical guidance for charter school CEOs, COOs, and operations leaders who are responsible for enrollment outcomes, financial sustainability, and building systems that support long‑term organizational health in a more competitive market. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS Enrollment drives nearly every operational decision a charter school makes — from staffing and budgeting to facilities and long‑term planning. As competition for students increases, schools that rely on outdated or seasonal enrollment practices face growing financial and operational risk. This episode helps charter school leaders understand the systemic shifts behind enrollment challenges and offers a framework for building sustainable, year‑round enrollment systems that improve predictability, family experience, and organizational stability. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    33 min

  3. Apr 24

    #69 Scaling operations across 140+ schools ft. Layne Fisher of IDEA Public Schools

    In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Layne Fisher, Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Chief Operating Officer at IDEA Public Schools, to discuss what it takes to scale operational excellence across one of the nation’s largest charter school networks. With 85,000 students and 146 schools across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, IDEA Public Schools faces a level of operational complexity few charter organizations ever reach. Layne shares how scalable systems, talent development pipelines, data visibility, and standardized safety protocols enable IDEA to maintain consistency while continuing to grow. This episode offers critical lessons for charter school leaders navigating growth, multi-campus expansion, and long-term operational sustainability. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS As charter networks scale, operational complexity multiplies faster than many leaders anticipate. New campuses may be easier to open than to sustain at high quality over time. Layne emphasizes that successful scaling depends on designing systems that can grow with the organization, investing early in talent pipelines, and building consistent operating standards that preserve quality across campuses. For charter executives, this episode highlights the strategic importance of centralized visibility combined with local execution. Whether managing safety compliance, facilities, staffing, or growth planning, leaders must create infrastructure that enables schools to remain agile while maintaining organizational consistency. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    35 min

  4. Apr 10

    #68 From Vision to Village: Building Partnerships That Drive Student Support

    On this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Ebonie Durham, Executive Director of Great Lakes Academy, to discuss how strategic partnerships can transform the student experience and strengthen charter school communities. Drawing on her background in charter school operations and leadership, Ebonie shares how Great Lakes Academy has built powerful partnerships that support students beyond the classroom. From behavioral health programs and emotional tutoring to innovative nutrition initiatives and community-based services, she explains how schools can align partnerships with mission, culture, and student needs. This episode explores how charter school leaders can identify the right partners, build operational systems to support collaboration, and create sustainable programs that improve student outcomes. Ebonie also shares how an abundance mindset and strong operational leadership can turn partnerships into long-term community assets. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS Charter school leaders face increasing pressure to support students academically while also addressing broader needs such as mental health, nutrition, and family engagement. This episode highlights how partnerships can help schools extend their impact without overburdening internal staff. By working with mission-aligned partners, schools can offer services that improve student well-being, increase attendance, and strengthen community relationships. Ebonie’s approach demonstrates that strong operational leadership is critical for successful partnerships. Schools that build systems for collaboration, accountability, and feedback are far more likely to create partnerships that deliver measurable results for students. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    40 min

  5. Mar 27

    #67 Leading Through Uncertainty: How CFOs can Balance Mission, Metrics, and Trust

    Charter school finance leaders are navigating one of the most complex operating environments the sector has faced in years. From declining enrollment and shifting funding models to increasing compliance requirements, CFOs must balance financial sustainability while staying true to their mission. In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Michael Wimbish, Chief Financial Officer at Aspire Public Schools, to discuss how finance leaders can lead through uncertainty while building trust across their organizations. Managing finances for 36 charter schools across California, Michael shares how Aspire approaches financial sustainability, transparent communication, and data-driven decision making. He also introduces a practical framework that helps leaders think about the biggest financial pressures facing charter school networks today. For charter school executives navigating today's uncertain landscape, this episode offers valuable insights into how CFOs can balance mission, metrics, and organizational trust. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS? Charter school leaders today must navigate a rapidly evolving financial landscape while maintaining strong academic outcomes. As funding pressures grow and enrollment patterns shift, leaders must develop systems that support both financial sustainability and school-level autonomy. This episode offers practical insights for charter school executives, CFOs, and operations leaders on how to: Build financial frameworks for long-term sustainabilityCommunicate financial realities across large organizationsUse data to forecast enrollment and budget planningBalance mission-driven investments with financial discipline For charter networks operating multiple schools, these strategies are essential for leading through uncertainty while maintaining trust and alignment across teams. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    32 min

  6. Mar 13

    #66 Balancing Freedom & Autonomy while Building Systems in School Operations

    Running a charter school network requires a delicate balance: empowering campus leaders while maintaining the systems that keep an organization running smoothly. In Episode #66 of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Jason Mellen, Network Director of Operations and Compliance at AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation in Washington, DC. Jason oversees operations across 13 micro-campuses serving early childhood learners, where each school operates with unique needs—but must still align with network-wide standards. In this episode, Jason shares practical strategies for balancing autonomy and accountability, building operational guardrails, and strengthening the principal–operations partnership that drives operational excellence. From designing smarter budget systems to improving team collaboration and reducing campus conflict, this conversation offers valuable insights for charter school leaders responsible for scaling systems without stifling innovation. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS Charter school networks face a unique operational challenge: they must maintain consistent standards across schools while allowing individual campuses to adapt to local needs. Without strong operational systems, networks risk: Inconsistent student experiences across campusesBudget mismanagementOperational confusion between leadership rolesKnowledge loss due to staff turnover Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    30 min

  7. Jan 22

    #65 How to develop your people using a competency based framework ft. Cynthia Leger, Sr. Director of Ops Leadership Development

    In Episode 65 of The Charter School Insider Podcast, host Daniel Casselli, President at BuyQ, sits down with Cynthia Leger, Senior Director of Operations Leadership Development, at Uncommon Schools, to explore one of the most critical challenges facing charter school executives today: how to intentionally develop people at scale. Cynthia breaks down what it really means to use a competency-based framework for leadership development—moving beyond vague performance expectations into clear, teachable, and measurable skills. Instead of relying on intuition or personality-based leadership models, Cynthia explains how schools can build systems that help every team member grow with clarity, consistency, and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for school leaders who want to: Build stronger leadership pipelines Reduce burnout and turnover Create transparent growth pathways Align talent development with organizational goals Whether you're developing principals, operations leaders, or central office staff, this conversation delivers practical insights you can implement immediately. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more: buyq.org/podcast

    36 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    # 64 Why 2026 May Be the Toughest Health Insurance Renewal Year Yet (and What Charter Schools Can Do About It) ft. Gary Clark, Head of HUB Charter Practice

    Health insurance renewals are shaping up to be one of the biggest financial stressors charter schools will face heading into 2026. In this episode, Daniel sits down with Gary Clark, Senior VP at HUB International and head of HUB’s national charter school health practice, to break down why this renewal cycle is projected to be the most challenging in decades—and what school executives can do right now to protect their budgets. Gary explains the macro forces driving unprecedented premium increases: delayed inflationary impact on provider contracts, rising hospital and pharmacy costs, and a surge in million-dollar claims nationwide. He also reveals surprising insights specific to charter schools, particularly high maternity costs and rising mental health utilization. The conversation demystifies health plan structures (fully-insured, level-funded, self-funded, and captives) and shows why choosing the right structure can unlock control, flexibility, and meaningful cost savings. Gary also shares real-world examples of charter networks that reduced costs, built reserves, and improved employee benefits through strategic plan design. Whether you’re a CEO, CFO, HR leader, or board member, this episode gives you actionable steps to prepare for 2026, avoid budget shocks, and approach health insurance as a strategic advantage, not a liability. Interested in becoming a guest? Contact us at podcast@buyq.org Learn more buyq.org/podcast

    30 min
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Welcome to "Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators" the only podcast dedicated to the ‘behind-the-scenes” business of running a successful charter school. Join us as we sit down with charter school leaders who share how they are overcoming the biggest operational hurdles facing their schools today. Each episode will leave you with unique insights and tactical strategies that you can implement at your school. Enjoy the show!

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