Arizona charter schools, teachers win awards

The Arizona Charter Schools Association's 2016 Charter Awards recognize the top charter teacher, leader, business manager and school in Arizona.

“What these winners have in common is their innovative approach to education and committed focus to the success of their students,” said Eileen B. Sigmund, President and CEO of the Arizona Charter Schools Association.

Winners and finalists will be honored Nov. 2 at the Hotel Palomar in Phoenix. Here are the winners and finalists as described by award organizers:

Charter School of the Year

Academy of Math and Science-Prince, a K-8 Blue Ribbon charter school serving 420 students in Tucson. Celebrating its 15th year of success, this STEM-focus charter school has high academic rigor and expectations for students while providing a well-rounded college-preparatory education. With more than 70 percent of its students who qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, AMS-Prince does not let circumstance determine a child’s success in school. In addition to a strong focus in STEM where students learn pre-algebra as early as third grade, all students play either piano or guitar and speak Russian, Mandarin or Spanish. As an A-rated school for every year since the label was given, AMS-Prince continues to be one of the top performing elementary schools in the state.

Finalists: Havasu Preparatory Academy, a K-8 charter school in Lake Havasu City, and ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic, a K-12 charter school in Mesa.

2016 Charter Transformational Leader of the Year

Valerie Merrill, principal at Legacy Traditional School in Gilbert, a K-8 charter school serving 1,200 students. Merrill is an inspirational leader and a quintessential role model for everyone involved with the school. Two years ago, Merrill took over the Legacy Gilbert during a period when the school’s growth needed strong direction and attention. Once at the reins, Merrill turned around teacher and parent satisfaction almost immediately, helping the school grow an additional 300 students in just two years. As a former classroom teacher who was named Higley Unified School District Teacher of the Year, Merrill is not one to seek the spotlight herself. She understands that her strength as a coach always is reflected in the performance and happiness of her team.

Finalists: Christi Reay, assistant director of American Leadership Academy, a K-6 charter school in San Tan Valley, and Susan Douglas, administrator of Mesa Arts Academy, a K-8 charter school.

2016 Charter Business Leader of the Year 

Betsy Rosenmiller, finance director at Metropolitan Arts Institute, a charter high school serving 250 students in Phoenix. Although Rosenmiller has a background in business administration, her passion is art. She started her career as a gallery director at several art galleries throughout the Valley before joining Metro Arts in 2009. Rosenmiller transformed the small charter school’s business office, providing more support for teachers and staff, and ensuring the school’s compliance and audits are spotless. Always looking for to put more money in the classroom, Rosenmiller is constantly researching new vendors and improving efficiency. In addition to her business support, Rosenmiller also handles student scheduling, co-teaches art coursework and currently leads the craft club. Rosenmiller is a true example of commitment to a school’s mission. 
Finalists: Jennifer O’Connell, director of business operations at Desert Marigold School, a K-12 charter in Phoenix, and Suzanne Drakes, chief financial officer at AAEC Early College High Schools, a network of five charter high schools serving 1,500 students throughout Arizona.

2016 Charter Teacher Leader of the Year 

Richelle Lewis, a third-grade teacher at American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek Elementary, a K-6 charter school serving 760 students. Lewis understands and embraces that all students learn differently and tailors her lessons to each child to ensure all students make growth in her classroom. But Lewis says student success can’t be contributed only to her teaching. She has a team of 27 leaders helping: the students themselves. In addition to outstanding academic results, Lewis' support of students goes beyond the classroom. Even though she is a busy mom, Lewis takes the time to attend important life events, sports games or recitals of her students outside of the school day. She is truly invested in the whole child and works daily to ensure her students feel loved, supported and motivated to achieve in school and in life.
Finalists: Forrest Radarian, a science teacher at Phoenix Collegiate Academy High School, a 9-12 charter in south Phoenix, and Carl Vasil, a middle-school math and science teacher at BASIS Goodyear, a K-8 charter.

Want to learn more about the winners? The Arizona Charter Schools Association has published profiles of the winners on the Association’s blog. Find out more at azcharters.org/news.