It is with great pleasure that the Colorado League of Charter Schools’ board of directors announces its fourth president, Dan Schaller. Dan has been serving as the VP of State and Local Policy over the past seven years and as the Co-Interim President while the League searched for their next leader.
“We are thrilled to have Dan leading the League through this challenging time. He has a steady hand on fundraising, our legislative agenda and service to our members. He is balanced and centrist in his approach and we’re excited for all that is to come,” said Susan Marshall, board chair of the League throughout this past school year. Marshall is also the strategic director for the North Routt Community Charter School near Steamboat Springs.
The Colorado League of Charter Schools serves 261 charter schools across Colorado who enroll and teach 128,000 students around the state. If it were its own district, public charter schools would be the largest district in the state. The League is focused on three things: serving members, advocating for charters at the state and local levels, and supporting school leaders with all the challenges they face in today’s environment. The League board conducted a nationwide search since its previous president resigned in March 2020.
“I’m proud of the work that the League has done to create a strong environment for charter schools to exist and thrive. The state is ranked second nationally for the strength of our charter school law, and we are continuously striving to ensure that all Colorado children have access to the high-quality educational options they need and deserve. The League and charter schools have exceptional futures in front of us and we’re ready to tackle all the challenges head on,” said Schaller.
Alison Griffin, board vice chair and Peak to Peak K-12 Charter School parent said, “We are so fortunate to have someone with Dan’s experience, commitment and relationships to lead the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Our member schools from Fort Collins to Denver, from Colorado Springs to Pueblo and west to Grand Junction are establishing deeper relationships with Dan and the League staff as we navigate these challenging times. The pandemic and resulting school funding challenges are putting pressure on schools, so our commitment to quality education, which serves diverse students is crucial. We have great confidence that Dan can steer our member support and advocacy work to new heights.”
Schaller began his career teaching high school students in Denver before returning to graduate school earning an M.A. in Secondary Education from Regis University, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Denver. He led Strategy and Communications for the Denver Preschool Program prior to coming to the League where he has served for seven years, most recently as the VP of State and Local Policy. He currently resides in Denver with this wife and two daughters.
Incoming board chair Andy Franko, iConnect Zone Superintendent for Falcon 49 School District, said “what a great opportunity for the League to have someone as connected to member schools, state legislators, funders, partners, and the education community as Dan Schaller. We’re expecting ongoing successes at the state legislature as well as continuing to demonstrate that charter schools are a vital part of the educational fabric of the state and the nation.”
Dan can be reached at dschaller@coloradoleague.org.