Leadership Overview
Rocketship Public Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, operational management, academic oversight, and communications.
Committed to closing the achievement gap, Rocketship Public Schools empowers underserved communities through personalized learning models and high-quality public charter education for elementary students.
Committed to closing the achievement gap, Rocketship Public Schools empowers underserved communities through personalized learning models and high-quality public charter education for elementary students.
Leadership Roles at Rocketship Public Schools
Preston Smith - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Preston Smith, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national network of charter schools. Smith architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the organization maintains a focus on accelerating student learning outcomes across all campuses. By aligning internal resources with the mission of serving underserved communities, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and sustainable expansion. Preston Smith collaborates with the Board to secure the necessary infrastructure for scaling personalized learning models. This leadership role involves fostering community partnerships that support family engagement and student success. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that every school remains dedicated to providing equal access to quality education. Ultimately, Smith secures the future of the network by championing innovative pedagogical approaches that consistently deliver measurable academic gains for elementary students.
Fausto Evans - Chief of Staff
Fausto Evans, the Chief of Staff at Rocketship Public Schools, manages the daily operational cadence and cross-functional alignment of the executive leadership team. Evans coordinates high-priority projects that bridge the gap between strategic planning and classroom execution. By streamlining internal communication channels, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain transparent and actionable across all regional operations. Fausto Evans facilitates decision-making processes that allow the network to respond rapidly to the evolving needs of students and families. This role involves optimizing administrative workflows to support the broader mission of providing high-performing public charter education. Through the synchronization of departmental efforts, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational integrity of the entire network. Evans consistently evaluates internal systems to improve efficiency, thereby allowing the organization to focus resources directly on the core objective of accelerating student learning and fostering community empowerment.
Kristen Duprel - Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools
Kristen Duprel, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools at Rocketship Public Schools, oversees the direct management and performance of the school network. Duprel architects school-level operational strategies that prioritize personalized learning and student achievement. By supervising regional school leaders, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools ensures that every campus adheres to the high standards required for accelerating student growth. Kristen Duprel integrates academic data into daily school operations to refine instructional practices and support teacher development. This leadership role involves balancing administrative requirements with the urgent need for classroom innovation. Through the implementation of consistent school-wide policies, the Chief of Staff & Interim Director, Schools maintains a cohesive environment across all locations. Duprel drives the execution of school-based initiatives that directly impact the educational experience of students, ensuring that the network remains a leader in providing quality public charter education to underserved communities.
Meghan Pierce - Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional
Meghan Pierce, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional at Rocketship Public Schools, designs the pedagogical frameworks that define the network's academic success. Pierce architects curriculum enhancements and professional development programs that empower educators to deliver personalized instruction. By analyzing student performance metrics, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional identifies opportunities to accelerate learning by 5-7 months annually. Meghan Pierce collaborates with school leaders to implement evidence-based teaching strategies that address the specific needs of underserved student populations. This role involves bridging the gap between academic research and classroom application to ensure consistent quality across the network. Through the continuous refinement of learning tools, the Chief of Staff & Academics & Learning Professional supports the overarching mission of equal access to education. Pierce drives the development of academic talent, ensuring that every teacher possesses the skills necessary to help students achieve their full potential.
Chris Murphy - Chief Communications Officer
Chris Murphy, the Chief Communications Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, manages the public narrative and stakeholder engagement strategies for the national network. Murphy architects communication campaigns that highlight the impact of personalized learning on underserved communities. By fostering strong relationships with families, community partners, and policymakers, the Chief of Staff ensures that the mission of the organization remains at the forefront of public discourse. Chris Murphy directs the messaging regarding the network's proven track record of accelerating student learning. This leadership role involves coordinating outreach efforts that support community empowerment and family advocacy. Through the strategic use of media and digital platforms, the Chief of Staff amplifies the success stories of students and educators. Murphy maintains the reputation of the network as a high-performing provider of public charter education. By aligning external communications with internal goals, the Chief of Staff secures the public support necessary for the continued growth and success of the organization.
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