Welcome to Trailblazers in Education: The Next Frontier for Charter Schools, Oregon’s only conference dedicated to shaping the future of public charter education. This year we celebrate innovation, courageous leadership, and transformative practices that are redefining what's possible for students and communities.
Attendees will explore forward-thinking solutions, connect with changemakers from across the country, and engage in sessions designed to inspire and empower. Whether you're driving policy, leading a school, or championing educational equity, this conference offers the insights and energy to move boldly into the next frontier. Join us as we chart the path ahead for charter schools.
Conference Presentations
Education Accountability: Shared Responsibility. Real Results - Dr. Charlene Williams, Director, Oregon Department of Education
It’s Never Too Early to Think About Summer: Leveraging RISE to Accelerate Student Learning - Jessica Dirks, K-12 Coalition
Racism, Civil Rights, and Responses: Why it Matters - Taylar Lewis, Civil Rights Specialist, Oregon Department of Education; Collin Foster-Lawson, Civil Rights Support Specialist, Oregon Department of Education
Tools for collaboration and the relationship between the school and the district: What's the board's role? - Kristen Miles, Director of Board Development, Oregon School Boards Association
E3: Engage, Empower, Equip: A Practical Framework for the Next Frontier in Charter Education - Andy Johnson, Executive Director, Dallas Community School
Fundamentals of Board Governance and Charter School Legal Update - Matt Lowe, Attorney, Jordan Ramis
Exploring Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework as a Catalyst for Equity and Achievement in Charter Schools - Katie Trader, Early Literacy Education Specialist, Oregon Department of Education
It’s not just apples to apples – the effective design and use of pre-assessments - Missi Thurman, Educational Excellence; Dr. Andrea Sande, Educational Excellence; Ali Hurd, Educational Excellence
Charter Schools and the State School Fund: Making Dollars Make Sense - Michael Wiltfong, School Finance and School Facilities, Director, Office of Finance and Information Technology, Oregon Department of Education
Future-Proofing Oregon Charter Schools: Governance, Sustainability, Growth & Grounded Innovation - Cory Connors, Director of Sustainable Packaging, Orora Packaging Solutions / Veritiv; Kristin Macy, Principal, Executive Director-Cascade Heights Public Charter School; Brian Sien, Principal, Clackamas Middle College
Beyond Updates: Websites That Build Community - Emily Jenkins, Beehively
Planning, Prioritizing, and Protecting Your Time: A Survival Guide for School Leaders - Mike Caldwell, BLUUM
SISRR: a Novel Staff Retention Bonus Program at Sauvie Island School - Darla Meeuwsen, Executive Director, Sauvie Island School; Marc Blackstein, Board Chair, Sauvie Island School
Charter Schools and the Legislature, what happened in 2025 & where do we go from here? - Iris Maria Chavez, Director, Oregon Coalition Of Community Charter Schools (ORC3S)
Designing a 4-Day School Week for Student & Staff Success - Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz, Superintendent, Corbett School District #39
WHEN:
Thursday, October 2
& Friday, October 3, 2025
AgendA:
WHERE:
Valley River Inn
1000 Valley River Way
Eugene, OR 97401
Questions? Email Iris Maria Chavez at iris@orc3s.org.
our 2025 sponsors
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
True Blue Accounting
Beehively
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Independent Study
Friendzy Co
Fresh 'N Local