11th anniversary book 114 FINAL online - Flipbook - Page 32
La Raza
Throughout 2008, Gil and Sarah met with representatives from La Raza, the largest Hispanic nonprofit
organization in the United States, to discuss financing for our charter school. La Raza had extensive experience
supporting charter school initiatives and expressed interest in Círculo’s school. They also promised funding
for a facility that was vital. Sarah and Gil had high hopes that La Raza would provide the financing for the
school facility. They met with representatives and discussed financials. A representative from La Raza’s
Midwest office flew to New York to look at properties in Hempstead with Sarah and Gil as potential sites
where the school could operate.
A Planning Board for the Charter School
During this process, Gil and Sarah formed a Planning Board comprised of educators, attorneys, parents, and
community representatives to meet together to discuss ideas and concepts for the charter school. Individuals
participated at different times as their schedules allowed. The Planning Board consisted of Gil Bernardino,
Sarah Brewster, David Boone, Luis Ras, Gladys Rodríguez, Rebecca Sanin, Gerry Vázquez, Maritza Meyers,
Eliezer Reyes and Ariel Sotelo. Individuals shared ideas and provided feedback about important concepts
and steps for the school to take shape. The Planning Board served as a sounding board for Gil and Sarah to
develop ideas.
Choosing a Name for the Charter School
Settling on a name for the Charter School was not easy. We did not want to call it Círculo Charter School. The
school was to become its own entity separate from Círculo. We wanted a name that would reflect reverence,
respect and resilience. There were several names in the running but in the end, Evergreen was chosen, as it
best fit our vision. Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter, an Evergreen kept its ‘green’.
An evergreen tree represents resilience and strength. In addition, the evergreen reflected our vision to connect
children to the earth and its resources so that children could learn to become global citizens.
The Approval Process
In preparation for the next step in the approval process, Sarah and Gil met with the Office of Public School
Choice and curriculum specialists in Albany. These meetings were held at the Center for Educational
Innovation in New York City with Gil Bernardino and Sarah Brewster. Gil and Sarah then prepared members
of the founding board, including Gerry Vázquez and Gladys Rodríguez, who accompanied them to Albany,
along with consultant Linda Vergara. The interview lasted several hours with questions about curriculum,
oversight, management and operations. There were over five representatives from the Education Department
representing curriculum areas, management, finance and other areas pertinent to the school operations.
Overall, the interview went well. On the way back, while passing Kennedy Airport, Gladys Rodríguez saw a
cargo airplane called Evergreen and exclaimed that it was a sign that things were going to come through for
Evergreen Charter School! After the interview process and final modifications to the curriculum and narrative
for the charter were made, the Office of Public School Choice informed Círculo that it would recommend
Evergreen for approval to the Board of Regents at its December meeting. The meeting for the Board of
Regents was to occur on Monday, December 15th, and Tuesday, December 16th, 2008. At this time, the
Regents would vote on the New York schools endorsed by the Office of Public School Choice.
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