From the COO : Improvements and Move-Ins

DSCF0062 copyWe are beginning a landmark year for the Maya Angelou family. This fall, the high school moved into its freshly renovated space with a brand new computer lab, media center, two fully provisioned science labs, dedicated classrooms for music and art, and much more. This month marks the completion of more than five years of work, with many of you as our partners, in renovating the Maya Angelou Learning Center.

One of the most exciting aspects of the renovation has been our students’ participation. They have been involved throughout the project, providing feedback on mockups and learning firsthand from our general contractor (Forrester Construction) in the classroom and on-site. During Phase II, Forrester took on four of our Young Adult Learning Center graduates as interns. The students proved their workforce skills as productive members of the time and several were extended beyond the internship to work with Forrester or subcontractors.

The 2014-15 school year and beyond will bring exciting opportunities for us. We have dramatically improved our information technology infrastructure, renovated our building, and sharpened our hiring and professional development practices. With your help, we are creating a renewed and re-energized network of schools to serve our students, their families, and our community well.

Chief Operating Officer


Chris Tessone is Chief Operating Officer of the See Forever Foundation and the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools, where he directs day-to-day operations for the organization, develops and systematizes human resource policies, and has primary oversight in the areas of financial management, technology, security, and facilities.ÂÂ