[CharterSchools] Board Member Focus: Gail Russell Hawkes

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Board Member Focus: Gail RussellHawkes
Louisiana ConnectionsAcademy
 
“I start with the premise that the function of leadershipis to produce more leaders, not more followers.” 
—Ralph Nader
 
How did you becomeinvolved with Connections Academy?
My involvement with the school actually goes back to wellbefore the school was formed.  From1995-2010, after teaching in the EBR public school system for ten years,  I served as an administrator for LSUIndependent and Distance Learning (IDL), which 
provided distance learningcourses to high school and college students through traditional correspondenceand online formats. It was during these years that I learned the value ofoffering students educational opportunities with an excellent curriculum,dedicated instructors, and outstanding student services -- provided at adistance. 
 
Our program enrolled thousands of students every year,and was responsible for about 1,500 high school students each year graduatingon time with their classes, by taking one or more courses through IDL.  While we were limited to providingindividual courses to high school age students (once completed, course creditwas given by their schools, not IDL), we also had a high school diploma programfor adults, through which many Louisiana students earned the diploma they didnot earn earlier.  We learned of themany reasons students need a distance learning option, because we worked withpeople every day who were able to reach their educational and life goalsthrough our program, despite the circumstances that kept them from doing it bytraditional face-to-face instruction.   It was always our goal to be able to expand our programand provide a full high school program to high school age students.  
 
When Hurricane Katrina struck and south Louisianastudents were affected, we saw an opportunity to show how this could work. Ouroffice stepped up and obtained permission from the Louisiana Department ofEducation (LDE) to provide entire semesters of school coursework to thestudents displaced by the storm. Several were able to obtain Louisiana diplomas because of ourprogram.   Besides helpingLouisiana students, we got some good press for LSU (including a chapter in amarketing textbook), and convinced some LDE administrators that we couldprovide a viable educational option. As we were continuing our work todemonstrate that distance learning works well for students who choose it, wealso became aware that there was a group considering starting a charter schoolthat would do pretty much what we wanted to do at LSU.  In fact, we had a few meetings withthem to let them know what we did, and to learn about their plans. The personwho was the driving force behind this was Wade Henderson’s (our boardpresident’s) uncle.  Unfortunately,due to administrative changes and the widening of availability of onlinecourses, the division that oversees IDL decided to discontinue the high schoolprogram. The college program continues.  It was a bitter disappointment, but fortunately, the groupworking to start a virtual charter school continued with its plans, and theresult was Louisiana Connections Academy (LACA).   
 
One of the original board members was my LSU IDL colleague,DeShonda Coleman, with whom I had attended those very first exploratorymeetings with Wade’s uncle.  A fewmonths after I retired from LSU in 2010, there was a vacancy on the board that Iwas asked to fill.
 
What wascompelling about the opportunity?
In my years at LSU, a major goal was to offer a programfor students that culminated in the awarding of a state of Louisiana highschool diploma.  LACA meets theneeds of students who need or choose to learn at a distance.   During my time at LSU, I learnedfirst-hand the need for a virtual school. Not only did I have many students and parents pass through my office, Iwas able to visit almost every high school in Louisiana, and talk to theirprincipals and counselors.  I amconvinced that every school has students who are struggling, but who would thrivein a virtual learning environment. LACA gives them that opportunity. LACA offers the great educational program, course delivery mechanism,and administrative services provided by Connections Education, a dedicated andeffective school administration, outstanding teachers, and board members withhigh standards for excellence and accountability.  I am glad to have the opportunity to be a part of LACA.   
 
“I have known GailHawkes for more than ten years professionally which evolved into a closefriendship.  Her educationalleadership background and experience provide great value to the LACAboard.  She brings a wealth ofknowledge in educating students in a non-traditional way.  Gail's integrity, close attention todetails and willingness to provide support to advance LACA educationally are needed for the success of our school.  Those qualities are what also promptedme to recruit her to serve as a board member of another educational non-profitthat I recently founded.” – DeShonda Coleman, LACA Board Member  
 
About Louisiana Connections Academy
Louisiana Connections Academy (LACA) is a tuition-free,K–12 online public school that students attend from home. LACA brings a fullyaccredited public education directly to your family’s door—anywhere in Louisiana.  The LACA curriculum is designed bynational education experts and customized to meet state standards. Bringingtogether the best in print and online resources with Connections Academyproprietary instructional tools, the LACA curriculum is designed to engagestudents of every level. Our goal is simple: To ensure that all students havethe resources they need to succeed.



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. 

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