For this episode we recorded at Francine Delaney New School for Children, with School leader Buffy Fowler. She welcomed me onto their campus to talk about what makes their public charter school unique. And let me tell you, their approach is unique. During our conversation, Buffy tells us exactly how they ensure diversity among the student body through the state’s only dual lottery, why all of their buildings are round, and how to focus and refocus on your mission.
As a public charter school going into their 20th school year, Francine Delaney New School for Children could have grown their enrollment and their size, but at every step of the way, Buffy explains, the school has decided to remain small and minimize their footprint, to blend in with their community, and to value the school family they have built, understanding that their small size is an asset to their mission. Not to mention that they stayed debt free the whole way.
After two decades of serving the community, the school is starting to see the children of their founding students enroll, which I can only imagine, has got to be an among the most amazing thrills a group of educator can experience. I want to encourage you to really think about all of the ways this school has run every decision through their mission and considered their values, because they have achieved a very special learning environment by being very intentional and having a clear vision for a sustainable future. So, please enjoy this conversation with Buffy Fowler.
If you like what you hear, please learn more about what we do at Leaders Building Leaders, where we aim to be the difference maker in the leadership development of individuals and organizations. We work across the charter school landscape in North Carolina to support the governance, academics, operations, and leadership of schools that want to grow. Learn more at Leaders-building-leaders.com
Notes:
3:07 Francine Delaney New School for Children Demographics
4:55 Dual Lottery Process
6:10 Advice for other weighted lotteries
10:05 The social justice statement
12:35 When families enroll that don’t buy the mission
17:30 How does your mission translate to your academics?
21:47 Why they choose not to grow their enrollment
25:00 How do circular buildings match your theme?
29:40 Tracking their impact on graduates past 8th grade
31:35 Why do families choose Francine Delaney over their district school?
33:09 Connecting social-emotional growth with academic growth
35:27 Culture shock for kids who lottery in at a later grade
38:40 What is most important at the beginning of a new year?
43:05 Products of a collective mission
44:25 An innovative school nutrition program
49:45 What have you had to sacrifice to stay out of debt?
51:20 Advice for a newly opening school from a 20 year old school
