Episode 385

full
Published on:

3rd Apr 2025

Is the Traditional School Model Enough? One CEO's Bold Move.

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Jill Gildea, CEO of Colorado Early Colleges, as they explore the transition from a traditional public school system to a charter network and the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a state-wide charter network. This insightful conversation delves into the network's focus on rigorous academics, personalized pathways, and student success stories, enabling students to graduate with industry credentials, associate degrees, and even bachelor's degrees—all at no cost to families.

Key Takeaways:

  • CEO vs. Superintendent: The CEO role in a charter network has a stronger focus on operational and business aspects, including marketing, expansion, and distributed decision-making.
  • Site-Based Autonomy: Charter networks often grant more autonomy to individual school sites, shifting some responsibilities (like snow day decisions) away from a central authority.
  • Learning & Unlearning: Effective leadership requires a willingness to learn new strategies, adapt to changing environments, and unlearn practices that may no longer be relevant.
  • Marketing in Education: Telling compelling student success stories is crucial for attracting families and stakeholders to a public charter network.
  • Deliberate Choice: Families who choose charter schools are often highly engaged and have specific expectations for a rigorous academic experience.
  • Different Model, Same Kids: While charter schools may offer a different model (e.g., fewer athletics, more focus on early college), students still seek social connections and a vibrant school community.
  • Rotating Roles: Dr. Gilday's career path, alternating between teaching and administrative roles, provided valuable insights and a well-rounded perspective.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:04 Background on Colorado Early Colleges

4:24 CEO vs. Superintendent

9:09 Site-Based Autonomy & Leadership

14:58 Marketing in Education

20:43 Student Experience

25:00 Family Engagement

30:00 Career Journey & Influences

35:00 Rotating Between Roles & Leadership Insights


Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Jill Gildea: www.linkedin.com/in/jillgildea

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Engaging Leadership
Uncovering stories and strategies behind successful educational leadership
Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country.

In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support student achievement.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.