Raymond Ankrum
Superintendent
Riverhead Charter School

Dr. Ray Ankrum Sr. exemplifies visionary leadership in education. As the superintendent of a prominent urban charter school district in New York, he's relentlessly pursued academic excellence and nurtured potential within underserved communities. His commitment has yielded tangible results: his district is the top-performing unionized charter school in student proficiency rates for ELA/Math (2022-2023). Dr. Ankrum's impact extends beyond academics. The district's third consecutive 5-year Charter Renewal, the maximum duration allowed in New York, signifies the exceptional quality of education provided under his leadership. This tenure has witnessed the district's expansion from K-8 to K-12, culminating in the momentous graduation of its first senior class in 2024. Dr. Ankrum's passion goes beyond administrative success. He vehemently advocates for inclusivity, particularly for Black male leadership in education. Recognizing their profound influence on student outcomes and community engagement, Dr. Ankrum has become a key figure in shaping policies that empower and support these leaders. His research agenda, grounded in his dissertation titled "BLACK MALE PRINCIPALS’ ENGAGING BLACK PARENTS IN URBAN CHARTER SCHOOLS: AN INTERVIEW STUDY” (defended at Manhattanville University, December 2023), tackles the dynamic role of school leaders in urban charter schools. His research centers on several key objectives: Understanding the Lived Experiences of Black Male School Leaders: Using qualitative methods, Dr. Ankrum delves into Black male school leaders’ unique challenges and triumphs. Black Parent Engagement in Urban Charter Schools: He examines Black parent engagement through Epstein's six types of parent involvement and assesses their contributions. Impact of Black Male Leadership on Parent Engagement: Dr. Ankrum investigates the specific influence Black male leadership has on parent engagement, aiming to inform interventions that strengthen this vital relationship. Black Male Care (BMC) Framework: He employs Bass's BMC framework to analyze Black male school leaders’ caregiving practices, emotional labor, and relational dynamics. Barriers and Facilitators to Black Male Leadership: This research arm identifies roadblocks and supports for Black male leadership in urban charter schools, aiming to improve recruitment, retention, and professional development strategies. Dr. Ankrum's dedication to amplifying Black male school leaders' voices, untangling the complexities of parent engagement, and informing practices that empower educators and parents in urban charter schools is unwavering. His vision is to create more equitable and prosperous educational environments for all stakeholders.

Dr. Brian Banks
Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer
The Purpose Group

K. Chase Patterson
Administrator
Urban Academy Charter School

Naomi Shelton
CEO
National Charter Collaborative

Naomi N. Shelton is the chief executive officer of the National Charter Collaborative (NCC), a nonprofit organization focused on increasing the diversity and performance of the nation’s charter school sector by supporting the success of single-site schools led by leaders of color. Naomi is nationally known and respected as a vocal advocate for quality choice options for Black and Brown students and families. She is an esteemed volunteer board member of the DC Public Charter School Board, one of the highest quality authorizing boards in the country in a city where more than 40% of students attend charter schools.