Colorado Charter School Institute1580 Logan St.
Denver, CO 80203
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Mark Stevens
303-495-8699 (cell)
News Release
December 15, 2011
Executive Director Mark Hyatt Leaving CSI, Ethan Hemming Named Interim
CSI Board of Directors Chairman Wayne Eckerling announced today the departure of executive director Mark Hyatt, who has accepted a position as chief operating officer with the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C. The Character Education Partnership is a national, non-profit organization that provides schools the resources needed to integrate character education across their curriculum.
“In two years, Mark Hyatt has led the transformation of the Charter School Institute and set the stage for our future success,” said Eckerling. “He launched a strategic plan that will ensure the institute continues to enhance its reputation as a model authorizer and leader in school reform. We wish Mark all the best in his new endeavor, which allows him to work on an issue that has been a life-long passion.”
During his tenure, Eckerling noted, Hyatt:
Strengthened all facets of the Charter School Institute’s operations.
Nurtured more than 50 percent growth in student enrollment across all CSI schools. Enrollment now stands at 10,500 students in 22 schools.
Launched internal controls and new financial procedures to re-establish the organization’s fiscal health.
Reorganized staff and hired respected subject matter experts in such key positions as deputy executive director and chief financial officer.
Strengthened the institute’s authorizing functions including the application and renewal processes and the ongoing monitoring of student performance.
Improved relationships with all of the institute’s schools and also with the state organizations involved with K-12 education.
Eckerling also announced the appointment of Ethan Hemming as interim executive director. Since April, Hemming has served as deputy executive director at the institute. He joined CSI after 13 years with Denver Public Schools, including three years as deputy executive director of the Office of School Reform and Innovation, overseeing and supporting 28 charter schools and six innovation schools.
About the Charter School Institute
The Charter School Institute was created by the Colorado State Legislature in 2004 and serves as the state authorizer for 22 charter schools. Those schools enroll a combined 10,500 students. CSI is known as one of the premiere charter school authorizers in the state and seeks to meet the highest national standards for charter school authorization. More: http://www.csi.state.co.us/
