Stepping In, Standing Up: Leading through Change
Leading a school in transition is never easy—especially when what one is inheriting is chaotic.
In this candid, solutions-focused session, charter leaders share what it really took to stabilize struggling school environments, rebuild team culture, realign boards, and regain stakeholder trust. Participants will hear firsthand experiences about overcoming inherited issues like poor governance, outdated systems, financial mismanagement, and fractured relationships. Through practical examples, presenters will walk through the key decisions, processes, and communication strategies that helped move their schools from crisis to clarity.
Whether stepping into a leadership role for the first time or supporting someone who is, this session offers a roadmap for tackling dysfunction head-on, avoiding common missteps, and building systems that last.
Presented by
Cindy Wagner
Superintendent
The O'Farrell Charter Schools
Kennedy Hilario
CEO
ACE Charter Schools
Mr. Hilario is currently the CEO of ACE Charter Schools, where he is responsible for managing the finances, operations, compliance and fundraising, as well as guiding the instructional recovery of the student community after the pandemic setback. Kennedy comes to ACE with a track record of leading growth, financial and academic achievement in several charter school networks in California and Massachusetts and has assisted in the turnaround of district schools. He is a native Spanish speaker and has extensive knowledge of the K-12 school space - including deep experience working with student populations from low-income communities.
William Toomey
Superintendent
INGENIUM SCHOOLS
Bill brings nearly three decades of experience at every level in public education. He has worked across the country starting his teaching career in Chicago, where he received the “National Educator of the Year” award in 1998. Bill’s multi-faceted career includes serving as a Teacher, Principal, Director, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Chief Business Officer, and Superintendent. A strong focus on achieving exceptional learner outcomes, while growing school networks fiscally and nationally for two charter management organizations serving over 100,000 students, has been the cornerstone of Bill’s career. His inspirational leadership, mentorship, and relationship-building have helped develop many current educational leaders nationwide. He is driven by a passion for creating and leading high-quality school choice options in underserved communities.
