(78) Tools That Strengthen Authorizer Quality: The Authorizer Self-Reflection Tool & Welcome Kit

8.30am – 9.30am MST, 26 February 2026 ‐ 1 hour

Room: Longs Peak

Authorizers

This session introduces two new resources designed to strengthen consistency, transparency, and shared expectations in the authorizing process. CACSA’s Authorizer Self-Reflection Tool, aligned with national and statewide best practices for quality charter school authorizing, provides a clear framework for self-reflection on authorizer practices and for guiding improvement. The Year 1 Authorizer Welcome Kit provides onboarding materials for new entrants to the field, helping districts establish strong systems from day one. Participants will receive guidance for adapting one or both resources to their own context.

Speakers

Mackenzie Khan

Executive Director, Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers

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Vanessa Glenn

Project Support Specialist, Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers

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Mackenzie Khan

Executive Director, Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers

Experienced Schools and Systems Director with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Understanding of research methods and strong expertise in charter schools. Skilled in Event Planning, Customer Service, Strategic Planning, Public Speaking, and Microsoft Office. Strong education professional with a Doctor of Education - EdD focused in Educational Leadership and Administration, General from University of Colorado Denver.

Vanessa Glenn

Project Support Specialist, Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers

Vanessa Glenn joined FACSA as the Project Support Specialist in July 2021. She recently served as the Treasurer for FACSA and Specialist for the Office of Charter Schools at Polk County Public Schools. Vanessa has been involved in public education since 2013. During her tenure with PCPS, Vanessa was responsible for coordinating high stakes five-year reviews for charter schools, charter contract renewals, and the charter application process from prospective applicant training to charter review team reviews and applicant interviews. She also played a vital role in monitoring Polk County’s 30 charter schools for compliance and academic performance.

Her commitment to quality education for all students led her to join the Polk County Sheriff’s Advisory Council in 2018, where she was able to engage in the council’s discussions about various matters within the Polk County community. Her experience on the council provided her the opportunity to participate in assignments such as patrol ride-alongs, observe the 911 call center, visiting the local jail and booking center, and most importantly serving her local community as active participant.

A former native of Virginia Beach, Vanessa worked for Ferguson Enterprises in Newport News, Virginia where she led efforts to support Ferguson’s 1,500 branch locations and distribution centers as an Implementation Coordinator in Information Technology.

Vanessa earned her Associate of Science in Business Administration from Polk State College.