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Episode #21 - Day one readiness planning with Ops for Impact Founder, Megan Thomsen
SHOW NOTES
3 min read
SHOW NOTES
- Tina Dass, Senior Director of Operations at Prospect Schools
- Stacy-Ann Brissett, Senior Director of Operations at Prospect Schools
Connect with Stacy-Ann on LinkedIn
Websites:
https://www.brooklynprospect.org/
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast, we sit down with Tina Dass and Stacy-Ann Brissett, Senior Operations Directors at Prospect Schools (NY), to explore the critical role of operational infrastructure in driving the success of charter schools. Tina and Stacy-Ann share their insights on how they’ve helped shape efficient operations, focusing on everything from resource allocation and technology integration to data-driven decision-making. Whether you’re an executive looking to enhance operational strategies or improve day-to-day efficiencies, this episode offers practical solutions that can transform the way charter schools function behind the scenes.
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
- Prioritizing Operations:
Tina and Stacy-Ann stress the importance of building a solid operations infrastructure that supports academic and extracurricular excellence. They discuss how strong operations teams enable schools to focus on student outcomes while keeping the engine of the organization running smoothly.
- Technology as a Catalyst:
The guests delve into how tech tools streamline administrative tasks, boost communication, and empower decision-makers. They offer specific examples of software and platforms that have been game-changers in their daily workflows. (Look for the resources section for more information)
- Data-Driven Decision Making:
One of the core elements of effective operations is the ability to make informed decisions based on data. Tina and Stacy-Ann talk about the importance of tracking performance metrics and using that data to make improvements.
- Challenges & Solutions:
Every school faces operational hurdles, but Tina and Stacy-Ann share strategies that have helped Prospect Schools overcome challenges like budget constraints, staffing shortages, and keeping up with evolving regulations.
- Building Strong Teams:
A well-structured operations team is essential to the success of any school. The guests provide tips for hiring, training, and retaining top operational talent who can drive long-term success.
RESOURCES
- Asana for project management and team collaboration.
- Google Workspace for communication and documentation.
- PowerSchool for managing student data and school information.
- Book: The Together Leader: Get Organized for Your Success – and Sanity!.
- Book: Radical Candor.
- Book: Atomic Habits.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Operations at Prospect Schools
12:03 Building Operations Infrastructure
18:44 Defining Operations Roles and Responsibilities
25:37 Establishing Division of Labor
33:01 Developing a Culture of Excellence
39:13 Key Learnings and Recommendations
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
- Tina Dass Bio:
Tina is a Senior Director of Operations at Prospect Schools who currently is overseeing three schools in Brooklyn, NY. Since May 2024, Tina alongside her team has streamlined processes across six schools. Her leadership also includes developing content for professional development programs and building partnerships to enhance school operations.
Previously, they served as Director of Network Operations at Brooklyn Prospect Charter Schools, improving operational systems at the network level and managing their facilities at their six schools. Tina has extensive experience at Uncommon Schools, where they improved operational efficiency, staff retention, and student outcomes in various leadership roles. In her free time, Tina enjoys spending time with her 2 year old son and watching reality TV!
- Stacy-Ann Brissett Bio:
Stacy-Ann Brissett is a Senior Director of Operations at Prospect Schools who currently oversees K-12 Operations at 3 schools in Brooklyn, NY. She brings over 12 years of operations experience from both Jamaica and the United States. Before joining Prospect Schools, she served as a Director of School Operations for 2 schools and a Senior Director of Operations for 1 school at Achievement First Charter network. During her tenure as an operations leader, Stacy-Ann has partnered with her principals to create continuous positive adult culture and leading seamless operations that aided in producing exceptional academic student outcomes. Stacy-Ann's passion heavily lies in coaching and the development of leaders. When she is not working, she enjoys having mommy daughter dates with her 21 years old daughter, working out and traveling.
ABOUT OUR HOST
Daniel Casselli is a life-long learner whose passion for education has driven his professional endeavors. He is a former classroom teacher and youth ministry director whose entrepreneurial spirit landed him in the world of education technology. At EVERFI Inc., Daniel helped run the business development efforts for EVERFI’s Financial Education Program and the company was eventually sold to Blackbaud for $750M in 2021. Shortly before EVERFI’s acquisition, Daniel joined Class Technologies as one of the earliest sales hires and went on to lead K12 Enterprise Sales and helped the company land its first 100+ K12 customers across public, charter, and private schools. Daniel brings his unique experiences to BuyQ where he is focused on growth, operational excellence, business strategy, and client satisfaction. He is a graduate of Grove City College where he studied Religion and History.
You can listen to Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators on your favorite podcasting platform...
