In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan speaks with Joe Dana, the assistant Superintendent of Orcutt School District. Joe has been at the school district for 36 years but also was a student in the district starting in kindergarten. Over his time there he has seen a lot of change. From being a principal at multiple schools to opening the first charter school in the district. Joe shares his journey with us and some insights he has learned along the way.

As with many other schools, some of the biggest challenges they have faced are issues with enrollment and facilities. Joe uses these challenges to share some solutions and advice for anyone looking into opening a charter school. A big theme of the episode is making sure to have people who want to be part of the community and to tell their story will go a long way.

Joe ends the episode sharing some great resources that have helped him along the way. They are shared in the show notes. He also invites anyone who would like to, to come stop by and visit Orcutt Academies and Orcutt School district to see what makes them so special and unique.

Time Stamps:

00:50 How did Joe get into the school district world?

1:50 How did you go from principal to principal to charter school?

4:45 What is different about Orcutt Academy?

6:37 Challenges you have faced?

9:54 Advice for anyone wanting to open a charter school?

15:00 Solutions

16:21 Hiring Process

18:25 Final Resources


Show Notes:

Orcutt Union School District https://www.orcuttschools.net/
Orcutt Academy K-8 https://orcuttacademy.orcuttschools.net/
Orcutt Academy High School https://oahs.orcuttschools.net/
Charter School Development Center https://www.chartercenter.org/
Western Association for Schools and Colleges https://www.acswasc.org/

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