J.J. Lewis to Step Down as Superintendent & CEO of Compass Charter Schools

By August 28, 2022 News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2022
CONTACT: Kimberly Aguilar, (805) 341-4689

THOUSAND OAKS, CA – It is an exciting time for Compass Charter Schools (Compass) as we introduce our Framework for the Future and Blueprint for Success as our guides for the 2022-23 school year and beyond. We have recruited talented staff and have grown tremendously as a personalized learning public charter school network, focusing on our guiding principles (mission, vision, and core values) as well as our wildly important goals (WIGs) of improving school culture and a greater sense of connectedness, and that 100% of our eligible scholars will graduate by the end of the 2022-23 school year. Compass is entering its 11th year of serving scholars across northern and southern California, seven of these years under the outstanding leadership of J.J. Lewis, Superintendent & CEO. 

Today, we announce that our dedicated servant leader, J.J. Lewis, has tendered his resignation as Superintendent & CEO. Lewis will be greatly missed as he set Compass on a path to continual success. Lewis instilled into Compass a scholar-centered, family-focused environment through his commitment to servant leadership and constant focus on our scholars as his number one priority. We celebrate his dedication to leading Compass through periods of trials, growth, transitions, and so much more.

“J.J. Lewis has a personal touch,” shares Alysia Hurtado, Options Learning Coordinator. “At my very first retreat, I was feeling flustered as I came in a little late for new teacher training. I started to look around to figure out which way to go, and a kind person walked up and asked me where I was going. I told him and then asked, ‘What is your name?’ He simply answered, ‘I’m J.J.,’ then proceeded to chat with me as he walked me down the hall to find the right meeting room. I knew from that very moment that I was in good hands at this school! Thank you so much, J.J., for the gentle way you instill confidence in us, see the best in us, help to show us the way forward, share transparently with us, and inspire us to be more and do more than we thought possible. That is the mark of a true leader – you lead us to lead. We will continue to make you proud of what you have accomplished here at Compass! We will miss you dearly!”

Lewis has served as the Superintendent & CEO of Compass since October 2015 and leaves Compass well-positioned to expand and enhance the Compass Experience through alignment with the Framework for the Future. At its August 25 special meeting, the Board of Directors voted 5-0 to accept Lewis’ resignation, with the condition that he remain in the position through December 31, 2022, or until a successor has been named. The Board will be holding a special meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, August 30, to select the firm that will lead the search for the next Superintendent & CEO of Compass.

“Mr. Lewis has served Compass for seven years as a stellar and dedicated Superintendent & CEO,” shares Thomas Arnett, chair of the Compass Board of Directors. “His guidance and support have not only helped this school thrive, but have molded it into one big family, the Compass family. He has led as a true servant and visionary leader in education. His passion for school choice, virtual learning, and scholar inclusivity has always been at the forefront of his work. He has shaped the Compass Experience, and we enthusiastically await following his future trajectory path as he continues to make his unique mark on this world. We look forward to opening our search for a new Superintendent & CEO who can continue to guide Compass to a future of success as the Gold Standard in Virtual Education. Thank you for your incredible support and service to Compass, J.J. Lewis; you will be missed!”

“It’s been the ultimate honor to serve Compass and our scholars, families, and staff over the past seven years. Compass truly is a family, and I am so proud of the amazing work of our team, who all provide Gold-Standard service and support to our scholars and each other,” shares Lewis. “To leave has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. However, I make it knowing Compass is well-positioned to embark on this next chapter, and I know the team will continue to be scholar-centered and put our scholars first. For me personally, I am excited to head home to Michigan and begin my own next chapter, putting my stamp on the world and continuing to positively impact the lives of those around me.”

To learn more about J.J. Lewis, visit his Superintendent of Schools page on the Compass website.

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 social media via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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