Brian Anderson, a Charter School Hero

In a few days, the Colorado charter school community will lose one of its staunchest supporters and greatest advocates. Brian Anderson started as the Business Manager at Cherry Creek Academy. He later created the Charter School Business Manager's Network, which is bi-monthly, practical application technical assistance meetings. Brian has also written numerous technical assistance documents being used in charter schools such as the Charter School Handbook and How to Establish a Charter School Business Office.

In addition to being extremely skilled in the business side of charter schools, Brian completely understands and believes in the fundamental philosophy that makes charter schools unique. Brian has, on numerous occasions, advocated for charter schools to do what makes sense for their school, not what someone tells them must be done if all it does is increase the workload without increasing the quality of the school. Brian often tells people not to feel dumb because someone tells them something has to be done a complicated way. Instead, they need to do what's best for their school.

Brian's one of those guys who can do anything. Well, he wouldn't be able to work on his car, but he can figure out complicated federal grant forms, understand how to write a survery that will eventually translate into a report that makes sense to the charter school community, track legislation and pick up on the impact of certain provisions, and ask the right questions during meetings. He's also the only finance guy I know who has excellent writing and editing skills.

Brian Anderson has been working at the Colorado Department of Education for the past two and a half years. I've learned a lot from him during this time. I've sought his counsel many times; his words of advice have stopped me from making bad decisions more times than I can count. I've also come to rely heavily on him. Everything he does, he does with a great deal of quality and professionalism. One of Brian's best qualities is his integrity; no matter what the cost, he'll always do the right thing.

As you can tell, it's not just the charter school community that will miss Brian when he and his wife move to another state to be closer to their families. To say that I'll miss him is quite an understatement. Brian has become a personal friend; one I'll probably have for the rest of my life. I wish Brian and Donna the very best. These two deserve a very blessed life! Best wishes, Brian and Donna!