Carolyn Sharette

[thenominator]

Nominee’s Key Links:

Bio: https://www.carolynsharette.com

Resume or CV: https://www.carolynsharette.com

Writing or Publications: https://www.carolynsharette.com

Website: https://www.carolynsharette.com

Video: https://www.carolynsharette.com

Socials: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.sharette

Agency or agencies for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:

 Department of Education

Organization name(s) and position(s) for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:

Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development; Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs, Office of the Secretary, Assistant Secretary Office of Elementary and Secondary Education;

Policies which the nominator knows the nominee supports or in which they have expertise:

With 25 years of experience in creating and managing a charter public school system (LEA), managing 700+ employees and serving 5400+ students at seven school locations K-12, I have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of federal education laws and policies and the impacts to schools and students of federal involvement in K-12 education.
I have a comprehensive understanding of both general education policy as well as specific federal education policies.

General Education Policy Areas of Expertise
I have general and specific education policy experience encompassing federal regulations, rules, standards, and policy guidance that dictate how schools are funded with federal funds, and how programs are managed and held accountable.

Policies I support: I believe it is an important mandate to return the responsibility to the states for the education of its students. This includes releasing states from federal mandates related to the education of disadvantaged students (Title I), training teachers (Title II), teaching English to ELLs (Title III), and student support (Title IV). This also includes releasing the states from federal mandates related to IDEA.

Expertise: Title I - (Improving Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged)
As the leader of a Title 1 district, I have personally written Title 1 plans, and supervised Title 1 plans, programs and compliance for 22 years. I have a clear understanding of how funding is allocated, the intended purpose of the program, compliance reporting, program evaluation, and implementing evidence-based practices in Title I schools. In spite of investing 120 billion in Title 1 grants since its inception in 1965 academic scores for disadvantaged students have fallen and the achievement gap has grown. I support returning this responsibility fully to the states.

Expertise: Title II (Supporting Effective Instruction)
As a recipient of Title II funds I have personally written Title II plans, and supervised the teacher trainings associated with the expenditure of Title II funds. I support returning this responsibility fully to the states.

Expertise: Title III (Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students)
As a recipient of Title III funds I have written Title III plans and supervised the implementation of the English-language learners program in our district and oversee the expenditure of these federal funds and all compliance reporting related to them. I support returning this responsibility fully to the states.

Expertise: Title IV (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)
As a recipient of Title IV funds I have written Title IV plans and supervised the programs in the plan and the expenditure of the federal funds received, including compliance reporting. I support returning this responsibility fully to the states.

Expertise: IDEA
As a recipient of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) funds I have written IDEA plans and oversee the expenditure of these funds. I have in-depth knowledge of IDEA laws, policies and guidance - both theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge. Ensuring disabled children receive the best education possible is very important but does not require federal involvement. In fact, I have seen how federal involvement makes it difficult and sometimes impossible for parents to receive due process and have their childrens’ rights protected. Returning this responsibility fully to the states will empower parents to have their grievances addressed more effectively and successfully. I support returning this responsibility fully to the states.

OCR Policies and Civil Rights Compliance - I believe civil rights are of utmost importance for every American student. I am not convinced a federal office of civil rights in the department of education is an effective way to ensure that those rights are provided. The schools I lead have been subject to an OCR complaint and investigation which resulted in no findings of discrimination. This was a good outcome, however, this experience and my study of the OCR investigations and settlements over the past 8+ years has led me to believe there are other, more effective ways to secure the civil rights of America’s students than having a federal office and I would like to work with a team to explore those other avenues of protection. I support returning this responsibility fully to the states.

Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC): This policy which collects and analyzes data on key educational and civil rights issues, has become intrusive and politicized to the point that it has been rendered unreliable and disrespected by school districts nationwide. I support returning the responsibility of ensuring student civil rights fully to the states.

Nominator’s thoughts on what would make this nominee a valuable member of a future Trump Unity Government

1. Is Competent …I lead the largest charter school organization in Utah with over 5400 students and 700+ employees. I have demonstrated strong financial management for over two decades and currently manage a 65+million dollar annual budget.

2. Is Honest…I endeavor daily to demonstrate the ideal of honesty in my personal and professional interactions, and I work to ensure honesty is enshrined in our school curriculum and practice. Honesty requires humility and accountability as core guiding principles and these are themes for staff and students, starting with myself as the schools’ leader.

3. Is Respectful …I have weathered very difficult and hostile situations and also endeavor to navigate them with grace. I have the ability to be respectful of those with whom I disagree, even strongly, and often find friendship results even after strenuous disagreements.

4. Has Integrity …I consistently act in alignment with my values, and am transparent and trustworthy. My words match my actions.

5. Has Courage …I have learned courage as I have endured years of relentless attacks from media, from state agencies, and from traditional public educators.

6. Has a Proven Record… 22 years, 7 schools, 5400+ students, Best of State awards - 44 wins; named a Top workplace twice; named a Stanford CREDO Gap Busting school; Top academic performance in reading (#1 in state), math (#1 in state), #1 in high school college-prep (US News Ranking). Other notable achievements can be found on my website.

[hmheadlee]

Carolyn is brilliant and laser-focused on what is best for children. She has organized an amazing team of innovators dedicated to helping children maximize their potential. Visiting her schools is an inspiring experience. She fully understands the detrimental, political engagement of the DOE and the tactics it deploys to actively undermine local schools from achieving the highest results. She has learned during her 23 years of battles with the entrenched bureaucracy how to win for children. She is uniquely prepared for this moment in time.

[blakesharette]

Having watched Carolyn in action for years, I can absolutely say there’s no better person for this position! As an alumni (and now employee) of her school, American Preparatory Academy, I’ve personally reaped the benefits of having a character development-based, patriotic education as a child. Their Veterans Day/Memorial Day assemblies are incredible and emotional - and the kids feel it too. Carolyn’s leadership has inspired literally thousands of people, and her love for this country and the education of it’s youth is authentic and powerful.

[MarkusAlexander]

These pictures are so amazing!! I’m praying they catch the eyes of important people

[MarkusAlexander]

I agree!! Carolyn has always done what’s best for kids and if anyone knows anything about how to educate children in a cost effective way, it’s her!! People would be shocked if they knew the way she produced a HIGH LEVEL education, especially in comparison to the quality of most local public schools, and does still today with less money from the state than any of the public schools. she is just the ammunition we need against the DOE!!!

[trhinehart]

Carolyn’s patriotism is evident in every aspect of American Preparatory Academy and she would be perfect for this position! She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision in her schools. Her commitment to improving academic programs, supporting teacher development, and implementing innovative strategies to address the needs of all students has been evident from day one!

[sigemommy]

Carolyn is an incredible human being. I have been lucky enough to have my 4 children attend her school. She is bold in going forward in what is best for children, always. We were lucky enough during COVID to be in the state of Utah, where most schools were allowed to be open. Carolyn didn’t hesitate and provided in person school as well as online school. By the end of the year, families were all back, realizing that her vision-- that what was best for children was IN PERSON education-- was correct. My children did NOT fall behind in their education, and I credit her bold vision that year as school marched forward. Carolyn has provided countless opportunities for rigorous scholarship but also for character development. She was one of the first in our state to not allow smart phones during school hours. My kids can concentrate completely during the school day with no digital distractions. And, they have an entire community of peers doing the same thing. Many other schools are now joining in on this trend, but Carolyn was ahead of the game. I could go on and on. I am amazed at her ability to listen carefully to people’s input, to be able to consider the large picture and the small details all at once. Her mind is astonishing. She is SO knowledgeable on SO many subjects and works tirelessly with incredible energy, I cannot say enough of how much our country would benefit from her vast experience and wisdom. Best of all, she is for LOCAL choice and teaches our students the incredible privilege it is to live in this country with all of the freedoms we enjoy. She also teaches them that they have responsibilities to help to keep those freedoms. To not consider her would be a travesty!

[belindadurling]

I have had the privilege of working for Carolyn for over 20 years. She has incredible vision and an amazing ability to turn her visions into reality. There have been many roadblocks and distractions that have tried to stop her in her work. But Carolyn thinks outside of the box and finds a way. She has a sincere passion for doing what’s best for kids and isn’t willing to settle for mediocre or “can’t be done” when it comes to something students need for human flourishing. She is passionate about offering a quality classical education and is determined to help the rising generation recognize the great blessing it is to a part of this fabulous country.

[davidsharette]

Carolyn has applied her brilliance and tenacity to the world of education and the results speak for themselves. As an outsider, Carolyn has a clear vision of what education should be. From the adversity she has experienced, she is the perfect person to get bureaucracy out of education.

[tgrisso]

You need Carolyn in this position to help with education in the United States. She has the background, experience and knowledge that make her the perfect candidate. Please consider her for this position.

[mariionminson]

I have worked with Carolyn for over 20 years. She has a vision for our children that includes a superior education, outstanding character development, a love for our country and responsible citizenship. Many of my grandchildren have gone through American Prep and as a result have developed the values that are no longer found in so many of our public schools. Carolyn has the courage to do hard things and if she knows something is right will follow through until she gets the job done. Her vision and determination have given families what they have not been able to find anywhere else. Please consider her for this position because she has the ability to bring about real positive change.

[wdheadlee]

Carolyn has played a major role in the school choice movement in numerous states over the past several decades. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of public education, including the laws governing their establishment and operation, working with legislatures and other governmental entities, building the physical buildings, staffing and administration.

Carolyn has impacted literally tens of thousands of students in Utah, Nevada and Colorado, as well as those who have worked directly with her, or for her, through the academic and civic components of the APA curriculum, and she serves as a living example of the principles contained therein.

She is a tireless leader, and worker, who leads the way with a contagious, positive attitude and a cheerful, happy countenance. Carolyn would be great addition to the team in DC.

[jwalstad]

I also have the privilege of working for Carolyn. We have worked together for over 20 years. She is the greatest boss, mentor, and friend a person could ask for. She is perfect for this position.

Carolyn came to education from the medical field and her unique perspective for system management and non-traditional background has allowed her to be a change maker for many broken educational systems. She has developed a robust background in educational leadership. Through extensive study, great humility and difficult experience she has gained wisdom that can benefit the educational community. Carolyn’s innovative approach to addressing systemic challenges in education, combined with her strong communication skills and collaborative mindset, makes her an ideal candidate.

Please consider her application.

[joeldwright]

I have known Carolyn Sharette both personally and professionally for over 18 years. She is a pioneer in public education and parental choice. She founded and has built the largest network of public charter schools in Utah with over 5,000 students and five campuses over a 20 years period. I was also attending a meeting at a Jr. High once and just before the meeting a fight between two approximately 12 year old girls had broken out about 50 feet away. Without hesitation, I saw Carolyn calmly and immediately insert herself in the middle of the fight and stop it without the assistance of anyone else. She is fearless. But most importantly, she understands how children learn, and what motivates them to learn, and how to train teachers to find joy in teaching so students find joy in learning the basics. I would send my children to anyone of her schools and have frequently recommended her schools to my friends for their children. The Trump administration would be fortunate to add Carolyn Sharette to their team.

[tameeroberts]

It is my pleasure to recommend Carolyn Sharett for a role in the Trump administration, as her exemplary leadership and dedication to education make her an ideal candidate to drive meaningful change on a national level. I have worked at American Preparatory Academy since 2019, and from my very first week, I witnessed Carolyn’s commitment to evidence-based teaching methods, classroom management strategies, and innovative school programs that significantly shaped my professional growth. Under Carolyn’s guidance, I gained the confidence and skills to deliver exceptional results in student achievement, demonstrated through successful outcomes on curriculum tests, state exams, and science fairs.
During the onset of COVID-19, Carolyn led our school’s transition to online learning within a mere two weeks, coordinating with staff to create thousands of instructional videos and maintaining a rigorous academic standard. Unlike many schools, Carolyn upheld a no-compromise stance, requiring continued assessments and in-person data collection to ensure that each student’s progress was tracked and addressed. Her adaptability and strategic response to ever-changing policies ensured that our students’ educational needs remained a top priority, even as we resumed in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. When masks were no longer mandated, Carolyn swiftly updated our policies to support students’ social and emotional growth, which had been impacted by prolonged restrictions.
Carolyn’s influence extends beyond her role as a school leader; she is compassionate, selfless, and deeply engaged in her community. From attending funerals and speaking at a student’s baptism to serving faithfully in her church, she exemplifies a commitment to others that is both personal and professional. At APA, her data-driven approach has shaped a culture where staff feel supported and empowered. Her steadfast dedication to truth and her insistence on high standards make her an invaluable asset to any team, and I am confident she would bring the same transformative vision to the Trump administration, helping to raise educational standards across the nation.

[chrisrbleak]

I am pleased to recommend Carolyn Sharette for a position in the Department of Education. Carolyn understands the critical importance of local control in education and is deeply committed to freeing our states and schools from federal oversight. She is a principled leader who is unafraid to take tough stands, always advocating for what she believes to be in the best interest of students and educators alike. Her dedication and unwavering stance on educational freedom make her an ideal candidate for this role.

[Zfarmer]

Carolyn has a vision and knows how to make it happen. She gets it done! My five children have been attending her schools for over nine years and will continue to do so. It is apparent that they have received a HIGH LEVEL of education and are prepared for the future. I feel proud to send my children to American Preparatory Academy.

Carolyn fights the battles that we cannot. She has the courage to do what is right for children. Very few people will stand up for what is right ALL of the time, but Carolyn will. She is an example of honesty, respect, and determination. She is prepared for any task. She is prepared for THIS task.

Being at one of her inspiring Veterans/Memorial Day Assemblies is thrilling. My husband is a veteran, and we love to attend these powerful events. It gives us hope for our children’s future. It gives us HOPE for America’s future. My family feels blessed because of her sacrifice all these years. If nominated, so many more families could benefit from her knowledge and preparation.

[THE-NIGHTMAN-COMETH]

She saw the education system declining decades ago and choose to ACT and has created the most successful, student oriented program in the entire country from the ground up.

There is NO ONE better to fix our broken system than a woman who has already fixed it at the state level!

[hymasmw]

For decades, Carolyn Sharette has been a champion of students. She has opened up schools in diverse areas throughout Utah in order to offer a high-quality education to as many students as she could. Despite the struggles and difficulties of expansion, she has been driven by one thing, to cultivate critical thinkers within our continually rising generations. Because of her efforts thousands of students, staff, and families have had their lives changed for the better.

[hmatheson]

Having worked with Carolyn in a variety of contexts for more than a decade, I know her to be extremely competent and passionate about better schools for everyone. She specifically chose a disadvantaged community to serve with a charter school that has empirically proven the power of an evidence-based approach to curriculum and methodologies. She’s fearless about disrupting the status quo with the objective of achieving measurably better results from students. Beyond the classroom, she is savvy about the political and regulatory processes that affect K-12 education. At the state level, she has led out on successful legislative initiatives that have made charter schools much stronger, benefiting many students far beyond the reach of her schools alone. She has intimate first-hand knowledge of the federal policy issues outlined in her experience summary above, having been on the receiving end of them for many years. Her influence is also international–her inspiration, insights, and sustained financial support have enabled the establishment of quality educational programs now serving 35,000 students in two African nations. She’s the real deal and will be a great contributor.