Board Member Focus: Jonathan Wilson

“Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.” 
- Benjamin Franklin

How did you become involved with this charter school?
I was first introduced to Collegiate Academies through my place of employment.  Our company offered a summer internship to a high school student from Collegiate Academies.  This student was placed under my direct supervision and a relationship developed.  After working with the student over the course 
of the summer, I was extremely impressed with his capabilities and work ethic.  I became more interested in the school and its activities.  I received an invitation to tour the campus and speak with staff regarding the charter school and its current education initiatives.   
 
Why did you say yes when asked to serve?
I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and assist with the challenges that our youth face in today’s society.  Additionally, I thought that my business and financial background could contribute to the continued development of Collegiate Academies.
 
What was compelling about the opportunity?
Public education has long been a challenge in our community.  The opportunity to work with a high performing open enrollment school is compelling, because the overall goal of education reform is to ensure every child has access to a good education.  Working with an organization whose goal is to demonstrate the possibility of a high performance open enrollment school and replicate the model to create access for all students will ensure opportunity for our youth and growth for our community.  

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What leadership roles have you had while serving on the board?
Leadership roles include Facilities Committee Chair, Public Relations Committee, Growth Committee, and Governance Committee.
 
Is there anything you know now that you wished you had known before?
It is important to understand where the organization is in the business life cycle.  Understanding this will assist with focusing new board members on pertinent potential opportunities for the organization.

“Jonathan has been an invaluable asset to Collegiate Academies and our board from the very beginning. He not only brings his financial and business background to board and committee deliberations but a wealth of community connections to our schools. Most important is his understanding of the importance of a good education demonstrating a commitment to and focus on positive outcomes for all of our scholars.” – Diana Lewis, Chair

About Collegiate Academies
Collegiate Academies designs schools that move incoming ninth graders averaging fifth-grade level academic skills to college-level performance by graduation. To achieve this,scholars must grow at a rate double that of their peers in the highest performing schools in New Orleans.  Schools that make up the Collegiate Academies network include:  Sci Academy, George Washington Carver Collegiate Academy and George Washington Carver Preparatory Academy.

The Top Shelf
The success of a charter school hinges largely on the decisions of its governing board. The Top Shelf enhances the capacity of charter school boards through professional development, board recruitment and community engagement.