Mark Klaisner — Executive Director of West40 ISC #2

Mark believes that every child's success is a shared responsibility, and this conviction has guided his career as an educator and leader. Working at both local and statewide levels, he has consistently sought out innovative, outside-the-box solutions to help students grow, thrive, and ultimately become impactful members of their communities. His efforts have ranged from strengthening advocacy for legislative support, such as evidence-based funding, to building a remote school that served 38 districts during the height of the pandemic. Through these initiatives, Mark has helped open doors and bring hope to countless students and families.

Deeply committed to student success, Mark champions efforts to remove barriers that often stand in the way of learning—whether those challenges stem from trauma, homelessness under McKinney-Vento, or truancy. Every day, he leads and collaborates with student advocates who share his belief in the power of kids' dreams and the transformative impact of changing how students view themselves and their futures.

Mark's guiding philosophy is rooted in possibility. By encouraging new ways of thinking, he creates pathways for students to believe that anything is achievable. His work reflects a relentless dedication to making a difference—impacting lives one student at a time, regardless of background or circumstance. At the heart of his approach is a simple but profound question: "What else can we do differently?"