SC Charter Chatter

Welcome to the latest episode of SC Charter Chatter! In this insightful installment, we sit down with Jimmy Lamb, the founding board member of Goucher Charter Academy, a new charter school dedicated to serving students in grades 6-8. Join us as Jimmy shares the passion and vision behind the establishment of Goucher Academy, shedding light on the driving force behind creating an innovative educational option for families in the comm...

Welcome to a special episode of SC Charter Chatter, where we delve into education and youth empowerment. In this episode, we are privileged to sit with the renowned Tara Brown, the keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual South Carolina Charter Schools Conference. Tara, widely known as the "Connection Coach," is an award-winning educator, author, and speaker who has dedicated her career to unlocking youth's potential throu...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of SC Charter Chatter, we sit down with a dedicated parent from Odyssey Online Learning Charter School to hear her inspiring story and gain a unique perspective on the world of virtual education. Join us as we delve into the experiences of this extraordinary parent who has seen her child thrive in the Odyssey learning environment.

Our guest will share her journey and the positive impact on...

In this episode of SC Charter Chatter, we have the honor of sitting down with an educational leader, the Principal of Richland One Middle College, Dr. Carla Brabham. Join us as we delve into an inspiring conversation about the remarkable work being done at Richland One Middle College to shape the future of its students.

Richland One Middle College is not your typical school. It's a place where innovation, mentorship, and a deep...

In an interview with SC Charter Chatter, Fox Creek principal Mr. Josh Trahan discusses his perspective on the upcoming school year and the preparations made by the teachers and staff at FCHS. Reflecting on the 20-year history of Fox Creek, he shares insights on the school's origin and how it has achieved success in educating students while fostering a strong bond with the local community. During our conversation, Mr. Trahan al...

A powerful conversation in episode 15 of SC Charter Chatter as we continue our celebration of Black History Month. We're spotlighting the work being done by African-American school leaders in South Carolina's charter schools. We discuss their educational contributions and hear about the impactful work for families and students. 

We talk to Pee Dee Math, Science, and Technology Academy Charter School Executive Director Mr. ...

In episode 14, we continue celebrating Black History Month. We're spotlighting the work done in South Carolina and, more specifically, in our state's charter schools. We discuss their contributions to education and hear about the impactful work they are doing for families and students. 

In this episode, we talk to the Virtus Academy Charter School Principal Shemekia Nero. She's a veteran educator but is new to Virtus ...

In episode 13, we kick off our series celebrating Black History Month. We're spotlighting the work done in South Carolina and, more specifically, in our state's charter schools throughout the month. We discuss their contributions to education and hear about the impactful work they are doing for families and students. 

In this episode, we talk to the Executive Director at Spartanburg Preparatory School, Dr. Tomikia Whitmire...

In episode 12, we talk with the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. We discuss the latest happenings inside the charter community on the national and state levels. We talk about the importance of school choice, and the opportunities charter schools provide for families and students. Nina shares her passion for education and how she became an advocate for charter schools all over the country. Plus,...

In episode 11, we talk to Certified Public Accountant, Jenara Noel. The discussion revolves around ins and outs of charter school audits to make sure your school is prepared and you stay out of the hot seat. Our conversation covers the importance of audits, what they are and what they aren't. We discuss the significance of having the right people in place and we go over the more common issues that may come up in the process. W...

In this episode, Kevin talks with inspirational speaker and SC native Chris Singleton. The former minor league baseball player and now nationally renowned speaker shares his heartbreaking story of losing his mom in the 2015 Mother Emanual Church shooting in Charleston and how he turned that tragedy into a message of resilience, forgiveness, and unity. In addition, we talk about staying focused, understanding others, and positively ...

In this episode, Kevin continues the celebration of Charter Schools Week. We have a great conversation with the principal of Calhoun Falls Charter School Mr. Kalan Rogers. He shares his unique story that is inspiring and quite interesting. Kalan was also recently recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools as a 30 Under 30 Changemaker. These are 30 people from across the country who are making a meaningful impact...

Learn more about the latest round of federal money headed to schools through the 2021 American Rescue Plan. Kevin is joined by this episode's guest co-host, Christy Wolfe, the Vice President of Policy and Planning at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.  We discuss the nearly $122 billion dollars allocated for K-12 education, how much money your school could see, the timeline to spend that money, and what you shou...

It's a topic many of you have reached about-how to market your school. In this episode, Kevin and guest Brooke Bruner discuss strategies and best practices for telling your story.  We talk about where to start, who should be involved, and how you can reach more families in your community.  We also share some specific areas you should be marketing your school, and we include some tools you can use to help you.

Things ...

Kevin and Patti talk with S.C. State Treasurer Curtis Loftis about how his office can help charter schools get help with facility funding and even finding some free money through the Unclaimed Property Program. Treasurer Loftis also talks to us about why it's vital for students to complete a financial literacy class and we discuss the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program and how it provides incentives for K...

Patti and Kevin sit down with Dr. Julie Jones, co-author of the professional development book, The Playful Classroom. She shares behind the scenes stories of how she and co-author, Jed Dearybury, came up with the idea, the mindset for the book, and the twists and turns of how their writings became an Amazon bestseller. Designed for K-12 educators, The Playful Classroom describes how teachers can develop a playful mindset for giving...

A lot has changed since shutting down schools in fear of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Educations leaders are now working to figure out how students can get back to in-person instruction safely. About half of the schools in South Carolina are still teaching virtually. Infectious disease pediatrician Dr. Allison Eckard, M.D., has worked closely with school districts to identify mitigation strategies to help slow or stop the spread of C...

In this episode, we speak with South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. We discuss the ongoing pandemic and its impact on our schools, students, teachers, and families. We touch on what we've learned nearly a year after shutting down schools and the ways schools can safely get back to in-person instruction, plus what can be done for teacher morale. We ask Superintendent Spearman about the success of charter s...

In this episode, we discuss best practices and some common pitfalls when it comes to school finance. We talk about strategies and steps you can take now to help your school be financially sound.  These actions can help effectively manage your school's finances while maximizing your ability to make the most of every educational dollar. 

Our guest is Dave Faunce. Dave is the managing partner with Prestige School Soluti...