About Us
School Improvement Partnership supports transparency and accountability in the charter school bond market, making it simpler for charter school bond investors to track the progress of their investments.
Our Value
- Rational and prudent bond investors will insist upon strong periodic reporting of performance metrics to monitor deployed capital
- Unlike other municipal bonds, the value of charter school bonds can be affected by changes in school leadership, per pupil payment rates or academic performance
- Continuing disclosure from School Improvement Partnership helps to head off payment defaults and preserve the value of bond investments
- Our evaluation reports provide action plans that enhance financial and academic performance, positively affecting market value
Board of Directors
Steve Halpern
Steve Halpern is President of Woodland Management (www.wmfio.com), a Pittsburgh, PA-based family investment office. Prior to joining Woodland Management in 2005, Steve was involved in the acquisition, board oversight and eventual sale of several private companies. He also spent 17 years as a franchise owner and operating executive at TeleCheck, a leading payments company. Steve received his BS and MBA degrees from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a CPA by background.
Steve is active in community service, having served as board chair of the Jewish Association on Aging, a senior living continuum, and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and as a long-time board member of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Shady Side Academy. He and his wife Linda, a social worker by background, have two adult children Jonathan (27) and Allison (23).
Melanie S. Grant, J.D.
Melanie previously served as Chief Operating Officer of School Improvement Partnership, overseeing process and product development. As a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Melanie participated on a panel about Non-Profit Board Best Practices and facilitated a group discussion about Diversity in the Boardroom: The Power of Perspective with women leaders from NJ Government, Campbell’s Soup, Silicon Valley and an organization dedicated to preparing women for the boardroom. Melanie held instrumental leadership roles for various private equity owned portfolio companies. As an operating executive, she led a global team to form Archroma, a $1.1 B chemical manufacturer operating in 47 countries and led the business transformation of Burlington Coat Factory, moving the organization from a $1.3 B family-owned business to a $4.3 B scalable retail organization. Additionally, she has served as Assistant General Counsel for ARAMARK and as a corporate attorney for Morgan Lewis. Melanie started her career with significant capital markets experience at Goldman Sachs in New York. She holds a JD from the University of Virginia and a BA from Rutgers College.
Arthur Mitchell
Arthur Mitchell is Executive Director for the STEM Equity Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to three goals: creating systems where STEM subjects are taught using culturally responsive pedagogical approaches; increasing the diversity of STEM educators; and creating a more durable STEM pipeline for groups which are underrepresented in STEM career fields. He also collaborates with educational institutions through his consulting group, Catalysis Education Solutions. Catalysis partners to develop systems and leaders that are culturally proficient and equity-focused. In addition to his work with the schools and districts, he is a member of the Pennsylvania State STEM Advisory Committee and serves on the advisory board for Washington State LASER.
He has served in K-12 education for over 25 years, working in the most impoverished urban and the most affluent suburban districts in the Mid-Atlantic region as a teacher and administrator. Outside of direct district experiences, he has also held positions at the county and state level dealing with curriculum, instruction, professional development, innovation, industry and higher education partnerships, and charter school support. Arthur gained his most valuable experiences in learning how to plan and deliver effective professional development as a fellow in the WestEd National Academy for Math and Science Leadership. He also became skilled in influencing policy through being a fellow in the Pennsylvania Education Policy Fellowship Program and as a member of the Council of State Science Supervisors.
Dean Lewallen
After commencing his career as a mental health worker and professional fundraiser, and a second career, post-graduate school, in tax-exempt/public finance as a key member of the portfolio management teams at leading investment, financial guaranty and financial advisory companies, Dean Lewallen now focuses on serving non-profit boards in a well as representing creditors overseeing restructured non-profit organizations and companies.
Currently, as a creditor appointed representative, he is President/CEO of German Pellets Texas, a bankrupt shell company in Texas currently in ‘wind-down’ mode. He was also appointed to the board of Goodwill of Southern Nevada as an official observer, subsequent to its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In a volunteer capacity, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Leopold Schepp Foundation in New York and was recently elected to the Board of Woodland Pond at New Paltz, a non-profit senior living community in the Hudson Valley. Up until his recent retirement, Mr. Lewallen was Senior Vice President and High-Yield Municipal Credit Analyst with AllianceBernstein, where he utilized his sophisticated analytical skills developed through the negotiation and structuring of new (as well as the restructuring of distressed) high-yield tax-exempt securities/private placements in a wide variety of credit sectors. Prior to AB, he did much the same at Dreyfus/BNY Mellon, Prudential Financial, and MBIA.
Mr. Lewallen was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He earned his B.A. “With Distinction” in 1975 from the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a major in Psychology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi national honorary societies. After moving to New York State, he received his M.B.A. in Finance from Cornell University in 1981. Over the years, he gave numerous presentations at industry conferences and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 from Smith’s Research & Ratings Review, an industry publication.
Advisors
Michelle Thornton
Michelle Thornton, Founder and Managing Member of Thornton Group Financial Services, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in tax, accounting, and business management services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Master of Science in Accounting from Drexel University. She also holds a certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education for Educational leadership.
Since 1998, the mission of the Thornton Group has been to educate, develop, and support organizations and individuals by meeting their financial objectives. The Thornton Group has serviced clients in various industries, including education, sports, and other profit and non-profit entities. Michelle is most known for her work in the area of fiscal turn-around for educational organizations.
Lisa Weinberger
Lisa Weinberger is the founder and creative director of Masters Group Design, a Philadelphia-based design studio that develops creative assets for change-makers. Lisa’s 30 plus years of experience in the field enables her to thoughtfully solve problems using creative strategy paired with small teams of talent. In her capacity as creative director, she has developed hundreds of visual identities for socially-minded organizations both locally and nationally. She frequently lectures and conducts workshops on the power of branding. Lisa is also the co-creator of the 2017 national non-partisan campaign, American Values, Religious Voices: 100 Days, 100 Letters, and co-author of the book (University of Cincinnati Press) of the same name.
Deborah Stern
Deborah Stern has been working in urban classrooms since 1988, first as an NCTE award-winning middle and high school English teacher in Chicago, and more recently as a teacher, coach, teacher educator, and school administrator in Philadelphia. She earned a B.A. at Swarthmore College, an M.A.T. at the University of Chicago and PhD. at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Stern has dedicated her professional life to teaching and learning in underserved communities. Her work and her writing have been featured in professional journals and numerous books about teaching for social justice, including An Invitation to Inquiry: Possibilities for Immersive Literacy Processes (2020), Teaching for Social Justice in the High School Classroom (2000), Teaching for Change (1998) and Teaching English So It Matters (1995).
Dr. Stern was a co-founder at Mastery Charter Schools and served there as the first Director of Education. After leaving Mastery in 2008, she began working in a variety of settings and roles to improve teaching and student learning in Philadelphia-area schools. She has supported early literacy learning with the Children’s Literacy Initiative in Philadelphia District and parochial schools, provides instructional coaching for new and experienced classroom teachers in all grades, and collaborates with schools and nonprofits to design responsive and effective academic programs. She also writes curriculum, facilitates professional learning for teachers and school leaders, and designs and manages assessment systems that deepen student learning and achievement.
Consultants
Dr. Alan Seay
Alan Seay is a thirty-four year veteran of Texas public education. He spent the first twenty-five as a teacher, coach,
principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in traditional school districts before being hired in 2011 as CEO of
A+ Charter Schools, Inc. and Superintendent of its two inner city charter schools, A+ Academy and Inspired Vision Academy.
His leadership helped the organization recover from years of TEA control and transformed them into one of the most
respected charter school organizations in North Texas. He retired from full time public education service in 2016.
In 2018, he came out of retirement to serve as CEO of International Leadership of Texas, the fastest growing charter school management organization in the nation. He restructured that organization and led them to successfully executing the largest charter school bond sale in history. After leaving ILTexas, Dr. Seay has served as Interim Superintendent for George I Sanchez Charter School and Legacy Traditional Schools of Texas. Recently, he joined the Board of Thrive Center for Success, a startup
charter school dedicated to providing services to children with autism.
Dr. Seay operates his own consulting business, Leadership4School, LLC, and works with charter schools all over the state. He provides charter school board training for the Texas Public Charter School Association, has served as interim superintendent, advises charter school leaders and school boards, provides training for officers, publishes Texas Charter School Weekly, and hosts a weekly Zoom meeting for charter school leaders. In addition, he is an adjunct professor for Louisiana State University – Shreveport and Dallas Baptist University.
Austin Rhodes
Rhodes Branding’s mission is to revolutionize K12 education by implementing culturally relevant marketing and branding strategies, ultimately enhancing the visibility and reputation of educational institutions. The Rhodes Branding team assists schools and educational entities through strategic marketing consultation, brand development, and recruitment marketing campaigns, always with an eye towards meaningful impact and growth.
In addition, Austin is an influential voice in the K12 branding and marketing sector, serving on the board of various education-focused associations where he shares his expertise to propel strategic growth.
With a robust background combining venture capital acumen with an entrepreneurial mindset, Austin brings a unique perspective to the education sector. He has worked with educational institutions all across the country, providing targeted branding and marketing solutions tailored to their unique needs and challenges.
Stephen Flavell M.Ed
Steve has been working with school systems his entire professional career. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Steve has provided services for private schools, public schools and charter schools
Steve began his career working as a Mental Health Technician. This experience was impactful, as he developed a thorough understanding of behavior, and the importance of a therapeutic and safe environment. He then worked in private education. While in private education Steve’s experiences cover education, therapeutic education, alternative education, special education and residential . As the Chief School Administrator for a large private education company, Steve supervised all of the company’s operations, which included 150 staff and over 1500 students. Steve was responsible for quality management, training, facility management, budgets and other operational duties. He also designed, created, and presented materials to the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska. Steve designed a training curriculum for Pittsburgh that was delivered to Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent, Superintendent’s cabinet, and district administration. Furthermore, he has observed and provided Lincoln Public Schools with a school wide behavior plan to implement for their emotional support and emotionally disturbed populations. Success Schools maintained sites in Richmond VA, Philadelphia PA, Harrisburg PA, York PA, Pittsburgh PA and Lincoln NE.
Furthermore, Steve has also worked as independent consultant for charter schools, located in Philadelphia, PA. Steve implemented a school wide behavior plan. This resulted in a 79% reduction in suspensions and increased overall average daily attendance. Steve has facilitated trainings for numerous public and private entities, and was a presenter at the 2012 National Alternative Education Conference.
In 2013 Steve co-founded Executive Education Academy Charter School (EEACS). EEACS is a K-12 public charter school that serves students from the Lehigh Valley. The school is focused on career and work force ready initiatives. The school serves over 1400 students from over 12 school districts.
Dr. Anne Clark
Dr. Anne Clark launched her consulting business, Peerless Resources for Educational Progress
LLC, in 2024 after a successful tenure as the CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public
Charter Schools. With a commitment to addressing educational deserts in K-12 education and
beyond, Dr. Clark collaborates with both national and global educational institutions. Her
personal mission centers on improving children's lives through education.
As the CEO and Lead Consultant of Peerless Resources for Educational Progress LLC, Dr. Anne
Clark is a transformational leader who is redefining the educational landscape through innovative
practices, collaborative workgroups, and equitable opportunities for all learners. An educator,
author, and advocate for children, families, school staff, and communities, she believes in
empowering all stakeholders to take on leadership roles. Dr. Clark is also a strong proponent of
parental choice in selecting the best educational opportunities for their children.
Dr. Clark earned her Doctorate in Human Services at Capella University, focusing on Leadership
and Organizational Management. She completed her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility at Point
Park University and holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Additionally, she has a
certificate in School Leadership from Point Park University and a Certificate in Nonprofit
Leadership and Management from Temple University.
With over 22 years of experience at Lincoln Charter School in York, PA, Dr. Clark has worn
many hats throughout her career. She is a past Northern Regional Director for the Pennsylvania
Association of Environmental Educators and previously served on the Advisory Council of the
Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools before her appointment as CEO. Dr. Clark also
contributed her expertise to the Pennsylvania Department of Education State Parent Advisory
Council (SPAC), advising numerous schools on best practices related to Title I, parent
involvement, and community engagement.
In 2023, Dr. Clark actively served on numerous committees for the state of Pennsylvania,
focusing on issues such as truancy, educational initiatives, and economic growth through the
2023 Plan. She is involved in the National Level State Leader Council, as well as committees
such as NN4DA and NACS, which address fundamental areas of education. Her work in these
groups demonstrates her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes
across various domains. Dr. Clark is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
In addition, Dr. Anne Clark serves as the Executive Director of the Hope Street Learning Lab
Incorporation. She completed her fellowship with the National Leadership for Public Health
(NLPH) in 2014 and is an active member of the Eat, Plays, Breathe Committee. Dr. Clark
collaborates with numerous other non-profit organizations.
Dr. Clark has presented her work on various topics, including the SMART Model, Joint Use
Agreements, Latino Parent Involvement, Developing the Leaders of Today, and Community
Partnerships at local, statewide, and national levels. She aims to share her journey—filled with
both challenges and successes—as a parent, educator, and woman.
ShaVon Savage
ShaVon Savage is the Founder & Managing Member of Mosaic School Supports, a Partner of SIP.
Mosaic’s mission is to develop school leaders’ proficiency and confidence as operational managers to clear the way for a fierce focus on student learning. The Mosaic team supports schools and other education entities through executive coaching and consulting on school management and improvement projects. In addition, ShaVon is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.
With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, ShaVon has served as a teacher, school improvement coordinator, principal, deputy chief, deputy superintendent, and school law attorney during her career. She has worked in urban, suburban, charter and university partnership schools, and has extensive experience reviving and reinvigorating schools struggling through challenges. ShaVon has facilitated effective and relevant professional learning in multiple areas, including standards-based instruction, DEI, family and community engagement, school culture and climate, and various topics in special education.
