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School Leaders Recognized For Charter Contributions

    Two members of the Altoona School charter school’s leadership team have received state-level recognition for their efforts toward supporting successful charter school models within the state.
    Founding Altoona School Charter Board Member Beth Nelson and school assistant principal Vanessa (Nikki) Tabb have both been recognized by the consortium as part of its charter school champion program.
    The duo was nominated by school principal Dawn Cerney.
    Nelson, who has served on the school’s charter board since its founding over two decades ago, many of those years as its board chair, was recognized as a Champion for Florida Charter Schools.
    “Mrs. Nelson has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission and vision of Altoona School,” wrote Cerney in a nomination letter.  “As a founding governing board member, she has consistently prioritized student achievement, accountability, and innovation while ensuring the school remains fiscally responsible and mission-driven.  Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of the charter school model and the importance of maintaining high standards while preserving the autonomy that allows charter schools to thrive.”
    Tabb received recognition as a 2026 FCPCS Charter School Champion.  Assistant principal at Altoona School since 2022.
    “Her leadership was instrumental in reversing academic trends and elevating student performance from mediocre to extraordinary,” Cerney wrote.  “Her work exemplifies the innovation, accountability, and results-driven focus that define high-quality charter education.”
    The duo was recognized during a surprise ceremony held last Wednesday, May 20, at the school.  Both Tabb and Nelson were on hand, each believing the other was to receive an award. The surprise presentation, coordinated by Cerney, was conducted in front of the school’s staff. During the ceremony, Cerney read both winners’ nomination letters aloud.
    Altoona School in recent years has been among just a handful of Lake County public schools that have received consistent ’A’ grades through the State of Florida’s school accountability program.
    The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools was founded in 1999 to support the state’s charter school program.  As the state’s primary support membership organization of public charter schools, the organization works to support high quality charter schools in the state while working to advance the Florida charter school movement. 
    In 2025 over 700 charter schools were operating in the state, with just under 400,000 students enrolled in charter schools.  Charter schools receive public funding, and while they remain under the oversight of county and state agencies, are granted larger freedoms regarding curriculum and general operations.