Dear Charter Public School Supporters,

During these difficult times, we wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the incredible women leaders across our charter public school sector. While our celebration of Women’s History Month in March was impacted by the current crisis, it has never been more important to lift up and recognize the women who are leading our public schools across the Commonwealth.

In MA’s charter public school sector, we are fortunate to have 31 incredible women leading schools and/or networks of schools. Across the country, only about 24% of district superintendents are women. Charter public schools in Massachusetts, with 48% female representation, stand in stark contrast. 

Our sector’s women leaders continue to make educational history during this crisis. They have been humbly and decisively navigating uncertainty and holding their school communities together for the continued benefit of their students and families. As such, we want to spotlight three of the incredible women who are moving mountains to keep kids at the center.
 

Sharon Liszanckie, Boston Prep
Sharon has led the Boston Prep community for eight years, and she remains committed to her school’s mission to ensure college success for all. Nowhere is this more evident than in Sharon’s leadership around Boston Prep’s work with alumni through The Persistence Project. From the moment college campuses across the nation began closing due to Covid-19, Boston Prep has done everything in its power to support alumni, including, but not limited to: purchasing transportation tickets for students who unexpectedly needed to return home, providing Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots for students with no computer and internet access, and providing tutors for students who no longer have access their campus’s resource centers. Boston Prep, under Sharon’s leadership (and in her own words), is committed to “ensuring that this public health crisis does not become a college completion crisis.”


Nnenna Ude, Match Charter Public School
Thanks to Nnenna’s leadership, Match has kept its school community informed every step of the way during this crisis. From providing families with timely updates regarding distance learning, meal distribution, and community resources to sending organization-wide emails to 270+ educators with updated information, professional learning opportunities, and resources to better support students, Nnenna’s communication has been clear and consistent. As the leader of an organization that also houses the Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education, Nnenna and the Sposato's Dean and faculty have overseen the quick shift of programming for educators to an online environment, which now includes the virtual coaching of teachers in their new roles as remote instructors. Whether it is updating her school community or ensuring that her teachers have what they need to succeed, Nnenna remains committed to serving students and families as equitably as possible during this difficult moment.


Heather Zolnowski, Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
Heather’s unwavering commitment to her students has never been more palpable. From the moment Benjamin Franklin Classical closed its physical building, Heather has been part of a team on the frontlines of the crisis – personally delivering meals to students and dropping off packages of supplies to their school's most vulnerable families. Under her leadership, Benjamin Franklin Classical has also been able to stay connected as a school community, implementing home learning opportunities for all students, including those with special learning needs. Every morning, staff build and sustain community by sharing a recording of the day’s morning announcements with families and students. Students with disabilities and English learners meet with their teachers and complete differentiated lessons online. Heather has never and will never stop living out one of her core values of always putting kids first.
 

And that’s not all. Every single woman leader in our sector has their own story of resilience and strength. While we cannot share each of their accomplishments in this email, we’d like to thank them and recognize them for all they do and all they will continue to do as we emerge on the other side of this public health crisis.

As always, I am also grateful to you, our supporters, for taking the time to read our monthly updates, and I hope you and yours continue to stay healthy and safe.

In gratitude,

Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association

 

#EdThatAddsUp

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