Bold By Choice Podcast

When does a governing board cross the line into managing a school? And why does that happen so often?
In the second episode of our Season 5 governance series, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner, President & CEO of the National Charter Schools Institute, tackle one of the most common—and costly—tensions facing charter school boards: the difference between governing and managing. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: great boards don't run schools—they create the conditions for schools to thrive.
Drawing from decades of experience serving, advising, and training governing boards, Jim explains why boards often drift into day-to-day operations during times of uncertainty, how role confusion erodes trust, and what healthy governance actually looks like. Together, he and Vashaunta explore practical strategies for keeping boards focused on mission, strategy, stewardship, and long-term success rather than operational details.
The conversation also highlights the importance of board culture, credibility, proactive leadership, mission-centered meetings, and values that guide decision-making when challenges arise. Whether you're a new board member, an experienced trustee, or a school leader working closely with your board, this episode offers practical wisdom for building stronger governance and healthier organizations.
Show Notes
In This Episode
Why boards drift into management
The difference between governance and operations
The board's role as steward of the school's promise
Building trust through role clarity and accountability
Governance as a discipline—not just a structure
Creating productive, mission-focused board meetings
The importance of board values and organizational credibility
Practical habits that strengthen board culture
This week's Boardroom Moment challenge for your next board meeting
Key Takeaway
Strong governance isn't about controlling every decision. It's about creating clarity, trust, accountability, and disciplined focus so school leaders can lead effectively and students can thrive. When boards stay focused on mission, strategy, and stewardship, everyone benefits.
Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

Season 5 of Bold by Choice begins with a simple but profound truth: governance is ultimately about decision-making. Not the routine decisions reflected in motions, policies, and dashboards, but the difficult decisions that carry real consequences for students, families, communities, and public trust.
In this opening episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner launch the season theme, Someone Has to Decide, by exploring the moral weight of board leadership and governance. Through stories, practical frameworks, and candid reflections, they examine what happens when schools face academic struggles, leadership challenges, financial pressures, or difficult renewal decisions—and why avoiding hard conversations can be just as consequential as making the wrong decision.
The discussion centers on a familiar governance challenge: a school filled with caring educators, committed families, and passionate leaders that nevertheless continues to struggle academically. Jim and Vashaunta unpack the tension between compassion and accountability, loyalty and stewardship, and explain why strong boards must remain focused on their promises to students rather than their comfort with the status quo.
Listeners will hear practical guidance on how boards can approach difficult decisions, including asking better questions, conducting deeper analysis, distinguishing between symptoms and root causes, evaluating leadership capacity, and remaining grounded in mission and values when emotions run high. The episode also explores why governance is fundamentally about stewardship of public trust and why courage often looks less like dramatic action and more like honest inquiry, thoughtful deliberation, and principled decision-making.
At its core, this episode is a reminder that governance is not passive. It requires judgment, responsibility, wisdom, and the willingness to make difficult choices when the stakes are highest. Because the promise doesn't prove itself—someone has to decide.
Show Notes
Season Theme
Someone Has to Decide
In This Episode
Why governance is about more than meetings, motions, and compliance
The emotional realities behind difficult board decisions
Stewardship versus loyalty
Public trust and accountability in charter school governance
Identifying root causes behind academic struggles
Leadership capacity and organizational improvement
Asking wise questions and listening with curiosity
Evaluating leaders and setting clear expectations
Governance courage and professional judgment
The responsibility of boards to keep promises made to students and families
Boardroom Moment
Where might we be protecting comfort instead of confronting reality? And what difficult question needs more courage, honesty, or curiosity at our table right now?
Key TakeawayStrong governance is not measured only by moments of success. It is measured by whether boards are willing to make difficult decisions with integrity, humility, courage, and an unwavering focus on student outcomes. Stewardship requires more than support—it requires the willingness to decide.
Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

What does leadership development need to look like in a world where school leaders face constant change, increasing complexity, staffing challenges, shifting community expectations, and the ever-present responsibility of improving outcomes for students?
In this special partnership spotlight episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner welcome Dr. Richard Seigler-Carter, educator, leadership coach, former school principal, and leader with the LeveragED Foundation, to explore a question many school systems are asking: Are we preparing leaders for the realities they face today?
Richard shares his remarkable journey from professional dancer and arts educator to principal, network leader, and national leadership developer. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from leading through uncertainty, building strong teams, and discovering that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the conditions for others to thrive.
The conversation highlights LaunchPad, a year-long leadership development experience created by the LeveragED Foundation and now expanding through partnership with the National Charter Schools Institute. Unlike traditional professional development, LaunchPad combines coaching, simulated practice, school-based assessments, peer learning, and real-world leadership challenges to help leaders strengthen adaptive leadership skills, build confidence, and navigate complexity more effectively.
Listeners will hear why today's leaders need more than technical expertise, how leadership development must evolve beyond compliance-based training, and why community, self-awareness, and continuous growth are essential for sustaining excellent schools. The discussion also explores leadership resilience, professional judgment, and the importance of helping leaders become not just administrators, but transformational leaders capable of building thriving school communities.
At its heart, this episode is a reminder that great schools are built by healthy, capable leaders—and that leadership development should be transformational, not merely informational.
Show Notes
In This Episode
Why school leadership has become increasingly complex
The difference between managing and leading
Adaptive leadership and decision-making under uncertainty
Building leadership capacity through simulated practice
The LaunchPad leadership development model
School health assessments and personalized coaching
Leadership resilience, community, and self-awareness
Creating cultures where educators and students thrive
The partnership between the National Charter Schools Institute and LeveragED Foundation
Expanding leadership development opportunities across Michigan, Ohio, and beyond
Key TakeawayThe future of education depends on leaders who can navigate complexity, build trust, develop others, and adapt through change. Strong schools require strong leaders—and strong leaders need opportunities to grow, practice, reflect, and learn in community.
Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

What does it take to change the trajectory of educational opportunity in a city?
In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust and recipient of the National Charter Schools Institute's Arc Changer Award, presented at the Bold By Choice Summit. Together, they explore what it means to pursue lasting systems change, build coalitions around a shared vision, and remain committed to expanding opportunity for students over the long term.
Brandon shares his journey from Teach For America corps member in St. Louis to educational advocate and leader in Indianapolis. Along the way, he discovered that while great teaching can change lives, lasting impact often requires transforming the systems that shape students' opportunities.
The conversation examines The Mind Trust's twenty-year commitment to educational innovation, talent development, school incubation, and policy leadership. Brandon reflects on the organization's unwavering North Star: ensuring that students' futures are not determined by their race, income, or ZIP code. Through stories of persistence, coalition building, and courageous leadership, he reveals what it takes to move from bold ideas to meaningful, sustainable change.
Listeners will also hear about the challenges that accompany transformative work—from public resistance and political opposition to the personal costs of advocacy—and why trust, credibility, and long-term relationships remain essential ingredients for lasting progress.
At its heart, this episode is about more than educational reform. It is about bold persistence—the willingness to stay committed long enough to help bend the arc of opportunity toward something better for future generations.
Show Notes
In This Episode
Brandon's journey from classroom teacher to systems-level leader
The founding vision and evolution of The Mind Trust
Why educational change requires a long-term perspective
Building coalitions around a shared North Star
School innovation and talent development in Indianapolis
The role of persistence in systems transformation
Navigating resistance and public criticism
Leadership lessons from difficult seasons
Expanding educational opportunity through policy and partnership
What gives hope for the future of education
Key TakeawayChanging the arc of education requires more than bold ideas. It requires courage, endurance, trust, and a relentless commitment to creating opportunities that may take years to fully emerge. The Mind Trust's story demonstrates how sustained leadership and community partnership can expand what is possible for students, families, and entire cities.
Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

What happens when students don't just learn about careers—they live them?
In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Nicole Gasper, CEO of West Michigan Aviation Academy, recipient of the National Charter Schools Institute's inaugural Pathways to Opportunity Award.
Located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, West Michigan Aviation Academy has reimagined what career-connected learning can look like. Students aren't simply studying aviation, engineering, robotics, or biomedical sciences—they're immersed in authentic experiences that connect learning to purpose, possibility, and future opportunity.
Nicole shares her own unexpected journey to the academy, the vision that inspired founder Dick DeVos to create a public charter school centered on aviation and access, and how a culture of professionalism, belonging, and high expectations has become the school's defining characteristic.
From earning pilot licenses and drone certifications to building aircraft, exploring biomedical sciences, and partnering with industry leaders, students experience learning in ways that make future careers feel real and attainable. The conversation also highlights inspiring alumni stories—from commercial airline pilots to university researchers—and explores how purpose-driven learning helps students discover who they can become.
At its core, this episode is about more than aviation. It's about helping young people see possibilities for their future and creating pathways that turn dreams into destinations.
Show Notes
In This Episode
The founding vision behind West Michigan Aviation Academy
Why career-connected learning changes student outcomes
Learning on an active airport campus
Aviation, engineering, robotics, and biomedical science pathways
Student pilot training and FAA certifications
Industry partnerships that make learning real
Alumni success stories and workforce connections
Building a culture of professionalism, purpose, and belonging
Why pathways are ultimately about possibility
Key TakeawayWhen students can connect learning to purpose, opportunity, and identity, they don't just prepare for the future—they begin building it today. West Michigan Aviation Academy demonstrates how powerful education can be when young people are trusted with real responsibility, meaningful experiences, and a vision for what is possible.
Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

What does it mean to lead with both accountability and trust?
In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Croy Lewis, Executive Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) and recipient of the 2026 Stewards of Possibility Award.
Terry’s journey began as a charter school mom in the 1990s — a parent searching for a school where her child could truly thrive. What followed became a decades-long commitment to creating opportunities for students, families, and communities through courageous leadership, innovative school design, and deep relationships.
Together, the conversation explores how CSI has redefined authorizing — not as compliance alone, but as a balance of accountability, support, trust, and possibility. Terry shares stories about launching schools that challenged assumptions, including schools serving students on the autism spectrum, outdoor learning models in the Colorado mountains, and charter schools on tribal land.
The episode also dives into leadership development, why listening matters more than ever, and how curiosity and humility help organizations continue evolving to meet the needs of students.
Because stewardship isn’t about protecting systems.It’s about protecting possibility.
Show Notes
In This Episode:
The origins of CSI and Terry’s charter school journey
Why parental voice matters in public education
Accountability and support in authorizing
Building trust with school leaders and communities
Innovation in charter school models
Outdoor schools, tribal schools, and neurodiverse learning communities
Leadership development and organizational culture
Why curiosity is essential for the future of education
The meaning behind the Stewards of Possibility Award
Key Takeaway:Fear may produce compliance — but trust produces improvement. Great leadership creates the conditions where innovation, relationships, and student success can thrive together.

What does it take to build an education movement that actually lasts?
In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Ryan of Bluum, recipient of the 2026 Bold by Choice Catalyst Award, to explore how leadership, talent, and shared values can transform educational opportunity across an entire state.
From teaching in post-Communist Poland to helping launch one of the nation’s most influential charter school ecosystems in Idaho, Terry shares the unexpected journey that shaped his belief in innovation, community, and courageous leadership.
The conversation dives into Bluum’s bold vision to create 20,000 new school seats in 10 years, the launch of the Idaho New School Fellowship, the power of investing in people first, and why rural communities deserve innovative learning models designed around their unique needs.
Together, they explore the difference between leadership and management, why movements matter more than sectors, and how catalysts create momentum by bringing people together around possibility.
Because real change doesn’t happen by accident.Somebody has to choose to build it.
Show Notes
In This Episode:
The story behind Bluum and Idaho’s charter school growth
Why talent and leadership matter more than perfect plans
Building rural and remote learning models
The Idaho New School Fellowship
Leadership vs. management
Why movements begin with vision
How charter schools create space for innovation
The role of values in long-term educational change
What it means to be a “Catalyst” in education
Key Takeaway:Catalysts don’t just spark ideas — they create momentum, build partnerships, and help communities imagine what’s possible for students.

What does it really mean to be Bold by Choice?
In this special episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner reflect on the heart behind the Bold by Choice movement following the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit. Together, they unpack the ideas, values, and leadership commitments shaping the future of education — and why courage, responsibility, and possibility matter now more than ever.
This conversation explores why boldness is not about being loud or disruptive, but about choosing action, building intentionally, and believing deeply in students even when the path forward is uncertain.
From the future of learning and school design to the emotional power of movements, relationships, and community, Jim and Vashaunta reflect on the deeper purpose behind the summit, the podcast, and the work educators are being called to do in this moment.
The episode also introduces the meaning behind the Bold by Choice Awards — including Stewards of Possibility, Pathways of Opportunity, Catalyst, Arc Changer, and Lantern — and why these honors were intentionally designed around values rather than status or achievement.
Because great schools don’t happen by chance.Movements happen when people choose to build.
Show Notes
In This Episode:
What “Bold by Choice” actually means
Why education requires courage and movement thinking
The future of learning, AI, personalization, and student belonging
Why movements are emotional — not just strategic
Reflections from the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit
The purpose behind the Bold by Choice Awards
Why schools must focus on possibility, not sameness
The importance of relationships, connection, and student dignity
Featured Award Themes:
Stewards of Possibility
Pathways of Opportunity
Catalyst
Arc Changer
Lantern
Key Takeaway:Bold by Choice isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing to move forward with courage anyway — because students deserve leaders willing to build something better.

Technology is everywhere in education, but is it actually transforming learning?
In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore the difference between using technology to make school more efficient… and using it to make learning more personal.
They’re joined by Dr. Garland Thomas-McDavid, CEO of Brooklyn LAB Charter School, whose leadership is grounded in lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what students can achieve. At Brooklyn LAB, technology isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about expanding what’s possible for students.
From STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way to adaptive learning tools and real-world problem solving, this conversation highlights how intentional design—not just devices—can unlock student potential. And just as importantly, it reminds us that relationships, culture, and purpose must remain at the center.
Show Notes
In This Episode:
Technology as an enabler—not a replacement—for teaching and learning
The difference between efficiency vs. personalization in ed tech
How Brooklyn LAB uses STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way
Real-world, hands-on learning through engineering and biomedical programs
Balancing screen time, focus, and student engagement
The importance of adult courage in adopting new tools and practices
Why relationships remain the foundation of powerful learning environments
Key Takeaway:Technology doesn’t transform schools on its own—intentional design does. When used thoughtfully, it can personalize learning, expand opportunity, and empower students without losing the human connection that matters most.

What if adolescence wasn’t just about preparing for the future—but contributing to the present?
In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore what happens when schools trust young people with real responsibility. They’re joined by Dan Porter, an experienced educator and leader at Kwiyagat Community Academy, alongside student Naomi Cowboy.
Rooted in partnership with the local Ute community, Kwiyagat was created to address a critical need: a school where Indigenous students are seen, supported, and connected to their culture. Through language, storytelling, and community-based learning, students are not only building academic skills—they’re developing identity, confidence, and voice.
From capstone projects tackling real community issues to students learning directly from elders, this episode highlights a powerful shift: when students are treated as contributors, not just learners, education becomes deeply meaningful.
Show Notes
Guests:
Dan Porter, Leader, Kwiyagat Community Academy
Naomi Cowboy, Student, Kwiyagat Community Academy
Hosts:
Vashaunta Harris
Jim Goenner
Guest Host: Don Cooper
In This Episode:
Rethinking adolescence: from compliance to contribution
The founding of Kwiyagat Community Academy and its community roots
Revitalizing Ute language and culture through education
Student capstone projects and real-world problem solving
The role of elders, storytelling, and identity in learning
Measuring success beyond academics: belonging, voice, and resilience
Key Takeaway:When students are grounded in culture, trusted with responsibility, and given a voice, they don’t just prepare for the future—they help shape it.