FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2024

CONTACT: Kimberly Aguilar, (805) 341-4689

Compass Charter Schools (Compass) proudly announces the election of Elizabeth (Liz) Brenner, our Superintendent and CEO, as a Lower South Region Advisor for the APLUS+ Schools Advisory Council. This achievement is a testament to Compass’ commitment to personalized learning and community engagement. 

“The APLUS+ Network Advisory Council is a prestigious body that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of personalized learning in education,” Jeff Rice, APLUS+ Founder/Director, shares, “I am excited to officially announce the results of our annual APLUS+ Network Advisory Council election for the 2024-25 school year. We had close results in many of our regions and had one runoff race for the final spot in one of our regions. Thanks to the many of you who let your voices be heard last week and voted.”

“Since joining the Compass family last December, Liz has truly embodied the Compass mission, vision, and values,” shares Lisa Fishman, Compass’ Chief Operations Officer. “She has set her sights on being not just an exceptional leader but also an attentive listener. Liz deeply values the staff and their wealth of experience, consistently engaging and collaborating with them. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is evident in her daily interactions. Moreover, she has been a passionate advocate for the Charter School Movement. Liz has actively lent her voice and expertise to numerous groups across the state, championing the cause and working tirelessly to advance the movement. Her dedication and proactive approach have made a significant impact, both within the Compass community and beyond.”

Brenner brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with over twenty years in education. Her journey began as a high school teacher in New Jersey and continued in leadership roles, including principal, director of education, chief academic officer, and chief development officer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kean University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University. Her extensive charter school experience and knowledge of state accountability systems in classroom-based and independent study programs make her a passionate advocate for educational equity. 

“Liz is a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for students and charter schools,” shares Greg Cohen, Compass’ Chief Academic Officer. “Her experience in alternative education and charter schools, from teacher to principal to superintendent, along with her leadership and willingness to innovate, will bring a wealth of depth and insight to the council and our learning communities.”

Since joining Compass in December 2022, Brenner has led the school towards growth and excellence. Her passion for diversity and equality in education has been a driving force. Under her leadership, the social-emotional program has expanded, scholar opportunities have been enhanced, and the Compass community has been united. 

Sophie Trivino, Compass’ Chief People Officer, shares, “Ms. Brenner diligently listened to our staff and educational partners and provided unwavering support during a crucial period of organizational change. Her commitment to enhancing the Compass experience for scholars, families, and staff has been evident in her leadership. Notably, her efforts in delivering invaluable professional learning have empowered the Compass leadership team to study and implement the principles of Trust and Inspire, which continues into the current school year. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Compass Community.” 

Rice shares, “Heartfelt congratulations to our 2024-25 APLUS+ Network Advisory Council members, both those returning and those joining our Advisory Council for the first time. I look forward to working with you all on guiding our network forward in the most enlightening and elevating way possible for all of our members.”

Brenner shares, “I am honored to be elected to serve on the APLUS+ Advisory Board with such an esteemed group of leaders. I look forward to contributing to this critical work.”

About The Association of Personalized Learning Schools & Services (APLUS+)

APLUS+ is the first and continues to be the only membership association and movement nationwide dedicated to advancing the Personalized Learning model for students and supporting schools that provide a flex-based education for enrolled students. APLUS+ and its member schools have stood on a solid foundation of integrity, accountability, and academic excellence for more than 20 years, and APLUS+ requires that its member schools pledge to these high standards annually as a condition of membership. The Personalized Learning movement and APLUS+ were founded by Jeff Rice, who has served as a leading advocate in the California charter school community for more than two decades. Since its inception, APLUS+ has been a leading voice in raising awareness and understanding of the critical need for parent and student choice in public education, specifically for a flexible and personalized learning option for the growing number of students for whom a rigid, classroom-only model is not a good match for success.

About Compass Charter Schools

Compass Charter Schools is a WASC-accredited virtual personalized learning public charter school serving thousands of scholars throughout California. Catering to TK-12 grade scholars, Compass offers two personalized learning programs. Compass is committed to creating a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning, and preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future successes.

For more information, visit  About Compass  and follow us on  Facebook  and  Instagram .